HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Christian County Fiscal Court has decided to invest just over $80,000 in opioid settlement money into a local nonprofit that is assisting members of the community with addiction recovery.
A total of two projects were approved during the April 14 meeting as outlets to dedicate funding too. They were determined by an Opioid Settlement Committee that is made up of several magistrates to figure out best use of these state funds that are intended to fight the opioid crisis in Kentucky.
Settlement funds have strict use and can only be spent in according with Kentucky law. Money that is used without following the restrictions can result legal in action, with local governments responsible for continuous accountability and reporting of funds.
First, the county is investing in local digital marketing in an attempt to curb opioid addiction. The prevention campaign will give them the opportunity to meet all of the legal requirements to spend the funds by serving relevant ads to individuals who are pinged for search results that are indicative of dealing with an opioid crisis.
The second way the fiscal court will be using their opioid funds is by investing just over $80,600 in Courage House. Melinda Woodard, a representative with the nonprofit spoke to magistrates about what this funding will do for local men going through recovery.
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Mission for Courage House, services
Located on East Ninth Street, Courage House has been supporting men through opioid recovery since May of 2025. The 12-bedroom house accommodates men who have previously been incarcerated or are coming from treatment facilities.
“What we’ve asked for is a bridge to support the barriers that they are facing when they come into our house,” said Woodard. “We’ve experienced them coming in with no clothing, no medicine, not even a toothbrush.”
She said additional funding will help support these men during a critical time in their life, allowing the nonprofit to supply them with food, clothing and essentials along with wraparound services and support that include getting started with food stamps, finding employment and creating a savings account while they also deal with recovery. Funding would also help with transportation.
Importance of volunteers at Courage House, next steps
“They are really trying to figure out who they are and where they’re going next,” explained Woodard. “What we’ve tried to do is make sure that we’re providing that step down from jail and from treatment so they can come into a space where they feel safe.”
All staff that works with Courage House, including case managers and therapists, are currently serving as volunteers. Since the facility is a level three certified house with the state of Kentucky to provide these services, they have to maintain specific policies and procedures to keep their doors open. She added, “We really want to do a good job here for the community, for these men.”
Gilliam said he hopes that with this approval of funds, he is hoping that next steps include the City of Hopkinsville stepping up to match the funds with their designated opioid settlement money. Their total request for funds is upward of $160,000 with the county providing half.
“We appreciate your value, and effort and your servant’s heart of addressing this issue locally. I think this is going to truly have a good impact,” said Judge Executive Jerry Gilliam to the Courage House representatives.
Across Kentucky, $980 million will be distributed over several years, guided by the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. Of this nearly billion dollars, 50% of it will be absorbed into the KOAAC at the state level, and the other 50% will be allocated to local governments.
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