Grayson County Leaders to Invest Opioid Settlement Funds Strategically

Kentucky Association of Counties selects 20 counties to participate in new leadership program

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:45pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the intricate structures of a human brain, with glowing neural pathways and regions representing the complex neurological effects of opioid addiction.An X-ray view of the neurological impacts of opioid addiction, highlighting the need for strategic, evidence-based investments to support recovery and prevention.Grayson Today

The Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) has selected representatives from 20 counties, including Grayson County, to participate in the KACo Opioid Solutions Network (KOSN), a new leadership cohort focused on helping counties invest opioid settlement funds in innovative, evidence-based and locally driven ways to address the opioid crisis.

Why it matters

Opioid settlement funds provide a critical opportunity for counties to make strategic investments in addiction recovery and prevention programs. By equipping county leaders with the right tools and information, KOSN aims to ensure these funds are used effectively to create a positive long-term impact in local communities.

The details

Beginning this spring, KOSN will bring together county leaders for peer learning, technical assistance and regional site visits centered on practical strategies to address the opioid crisis. The program will highlight approaches already working in Kentucky, particularly those supported by national opioid settlement funding. Participating counties will receive support from state partners to strengthen their local response, including guidance on establishing opioid advisory groups, pursuing Recovery Ready Community certification, and developing strategic action plans.

  • The inaugural KOSN cohort will launch this spring.
  • Participating counties will present their projects and strategies at the 52nd Annual KACo Conference in November.

The players

Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo)

A statewide organization that represents county governments and provides resources, training, and advocacy for county leaders in Kentucky.

Lauren Carr

KACo's Opioid Settlement Advisor, who is leading the KOSN program and previously served on the National Association of Counties' Opioid Solutions Leadership Network.

Gary Moore

Boone County Judge/Executive, who previously served on the National Association of Counties' Opioid Solutions Leadership Network.

Dan Mosley

Harlan County Judge/Executive, who previously served on the National Association of Counties' Opioid Solutions Leadership Network.

Reagan Taylor

Madison County Judge/Executive, who previously served on the National Association of Counties' Opioid Solutions Leadership Network.

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What they’re saying

“Each of these counties has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting addiction recovery in their communities. When equipped with the right tools and information, counties can make investments that create a positive ripple effect for generations to come.”

— Jim Henderson, KACo Executive Director

“Seeing proven program models up close is often an aha moment for county leaders. KACo's Opioid Solutions Network builds on insights learned at the national level and creates opportunities for idea-sharing and collaboration in Kentucky.”

— Lauren Carr, KACo Opioid Settlement Advisor

What’s next

The inaugural KOSN cohort will begin meeting this spring, and participating counties will present their projects and strategies at the 52nd Annual KACo Conference in November.

The takeaway

This program provides an important opportunity for Grayson County and other communities across Kentucky to strategically invest opioid settlement funds in evidence-based, locally-driven solutions that can have a lasting impact on the opioid crisis and addiction recovery efforts.