Former First Lady supported WestCare as it expanded in Kentucky, built Pike County’s newest substance use disorder treatment facility for women
ELKHORN CITY, Ky. (Aug. 17, 2021) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined former Kentucky First Lady Judi Patton, former Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton (served 1995-2003), WestCare Kentucky leaders, state legislators and local leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the new Judi Patton Center for Families (JPCF), a substance use disorder residential treatment facility for women in Pike County.
“We know the road to recovery from addiction is
one of the hardest journeys any human being can make. We also know it’s a journey way too many of our people are on. But there is hope, and there is help, and it’s found in places like this,” said Gov. Beshear. “Judi’s passion for helping others goes back to her childhood here in Pike County. You’ve made all of us proud and grateful for your service, your dedication and your citizenship.”The center was named in honor of the former First Lady because of her success bringing WestCare facilities to Kentucky and helping the nonprofit expand in the commonwealth.
As First Lady, Patton was a champion for women and children who had survived domestic violence. Her advocacy earned awards from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the Commissioner’s Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and more.
“I appreciate the honor and am very humbled to have my name placed on this facility, but it is WestCare, a faith-based nonprofit organization which saw the need in Eastern Kentucky, that deserves the credit. This is an issue which can affect any family, that we all need to be concerned about,” said Ms. Patton.
When WestCare launched services in Eastern Kentucky in 2005, the region had very few substance use disorder treatment services available. Over the course of 16 years, WestCare Kentucky has expanded services to help those who have no other means of help, and has increased its workforce in Eastern Kentucky to 80 employees.
WestCare Kentucky leaders said that the Judi Patton Center for Families will help women build a foundation that empowers them to become responsible in their recovery journey. Services will include individual/group counseling, relapse prevention, education classes and introductions to supportive services. The length of stay at JPCF is a minimum of 90 days with the focus of treatment varying to meet individual goals and needs. Additional services include GED attainment, Medically Assisted Treatment and supportive employment programs.
The JPCF program and building were designed so children would be able to stay in the facility with their mothers, as separation from children is a major barrier for many women who would otherwise seek treatment. Due to COVID-19 conditions, JPCF cannot currently allow children to stay at the facility, but WestCare leaders hope this policy can be revisited once a COVID-19 vaccine is available for children under 12.
“Judi Patton has dedicated her life to serving others. She has tirelessly advocated for the health and well-being of women, children and families, especially in her mountain home,” said Richard Steinberg, president and chief executive officer of WestCare. “Her work is inspiring and has helped countless vulnerable people in crisis. WestCare Kentucky is excited to launch this new, life-saving treatment program bearing her name. The Judi Patton Center for Families will greatly increase access to care for women with behavioral health needs. Just as important, it will provide resources and hope for a healthier, happier future for women and their families.”
“Everyone is excited to open the new JPCF. It has been a goal of WestCare Kentucky’s since 2007 to bring these much-needed services and opportunities to Pike County. Our entire team is elated to have this new facility to serve those in need of it,” said Stephen Wright, senior vice president of WestCare’s Appalachian Region.
“The grand opening of this center is something that will bring hope to many. The opioid crisis, which is not relative only to the commonwealth or our beloved region, is impacting almost every family in some way,” said Sen. Phillip Wheeler, who represents five counties, including Pike County. “The COVID-19 pandemic has played a role in increasing overdose deaths by almost 50%. It’s a terrifying statistic. We need resources like WestCare Foundation’s Judi Patton Center for Families now more than ever before. I sincerely thank WestCare for all it does. The namesake of this center could not be more fitting. Ms. Patton’s efforts on behalf of Kentucky’s children have been a blessing to the commonwealth, and the grand opening of this center will further our unified goal of bettering the lives of Kentucky children whose well-being is tethered to that of their mothers.”
“As a trooper, I saw far too often the damage that substance abuse does to not only those with addictions, but also the people who love them,” said Rep. John Blanton, who represents part of Pike County, in addition to Knott and Magoffin counties. “This center will provide resources to everyone harmed by substance abuse and, hopefully, end the terrible cycle we see as addiction transcends generations. How fitting that it is named for Judi; she has spent so much of her life improving the lives of others. And, how perfect that it is in the former Lookout Elementary building – where the foundation for healthy, happy lives was built for generations.”
“This is an incredible day for our community and a great addition to the legacy of our former First Lady,” said Rep. Norma Kirk-McCormick, who represents part of Pike County as well as Martin County. “While it is tragic that we have such great need for a facility like this, it is a blessing to have WestCare ready to open the JPCF. Substance abuse issues have robbed us of far too much, but now we have one more tool in our efforts to help folks recover. This facility will act as a great resource to encourage families in the process of healing, change and growth.”
“I would like to personally thank Ms. Patton for her tremendous contributions to women’s safety and child abuse prevention. This is such a well-deserved tribute. We’ve lost so many people to substance abuse. It’s an ongoing problem and it seems to be getting worse. With that said, I can only imagine how many more people we would have lost without programs like WestCare saving and transforming lives,” said Pike County Judge/Executive Ray Jones.
As attorney general, Gov. Beshear made Kentucky the most aggressive state in holding accountable pharmaceutical companies that flooded Kentucky communities with opioids. His office also oversaw the Rocket Docket program, which helped people struggling with addiction get out of the courtroom and into treatment. Beshear worked with lawmakers to use $8 million from the Purdue Pharma settlement to fund 15 high-quality substance-abuse treatment centers and organizations across the state, including WestCare.
The Governor said too often, those “caught in the web of substance abuse and their loved ones” find themselves involved with the criminal justice system. That’s why, in October 2020, Gov. Beshear announced more than $37 million in grant funding for crime victims. In February 2021, the Beshear administration announced $4.6 million in grant funding to expand treatment and recovery services, including those for mothers and pregnant women with opioid use disorders. And in June 2021, Gov. Beshear announced more than $570,000 in grant funding from the Comprehensive Opioid and Stimulant Substance Abuse Program.
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