April 25, 2025 • 27 mins
The head of Kentucky's Office of Drug Control Policy talks about the progress being made to curb overdose deaths, Kentucky's top cop is taking a new approach on drug prevention, Congressman Barr announces he's running for U.S. Senate, and state lawmakers ask the federal government to delay the implementation of the REAL ID Act.
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(00:06):
>> I think the biggest
difference are seeing a little
towns and big cities and
suburbs all across Kentucky is
a willingness part of people to
accept people who are recovery.
To invest in them.
Where we then that's where
we're going as Kentuckyian the
nation's fight. The drug
crisis.
(00:26):
>> It's just saving lives.
Saving water city soil. One
prescription at a time.
>> We'll show you some of the
unique technology coming out of
the 2025 Rx Summit.
>> And for the United States
Senate.
♪
(00:48):
>> Kentucky's longtime
congressman is ready to change
the chamber's.
>> Production of Kentucky
Edition is made possible in
part by the KET Millennium
Fund.
♪
♪
(01:09):
♪
>> Good Evening and welcome
to Kentucky EDITION for this
Wednesday. April, the
TWENTY-THIRD, I'm Renee Shaw
and we thank you so much for
joining us. Once again. We're
at the G****** Opryland Resort
and Convention Center and
Nashville, Tennessee, for the
(01:30):
annual prescription and illicit
Drug Summit. The nation's
largest meeting of
professionals affected by drug
abuse and committed to fighting
it in 1984, it's not just a
number or data point. It's
lives of Kentuckians lost to a
fatal drug overdose in 2023.
nationwide. According to the
(01:51):
Centers for Disease Control,
the CDC, there's one overdose
nearly every 5 seconds. The
highest number of overdose
deaths ever recorded. It's
because of trends like that
that the annual prescription
and illicit drug Summit or Rx
and drug saw that it was
created 14 years ago. A few
1000 are gathering here in
(02:11):
Nashville to learn from each
other about ways law
enforcement policy makers
treatment providers and those
in active recovery can combat
addiction and then Ingram who
has Kentucky's Office of Drug
Control Policy spoke with
Kentucky additions. More Rogers
yesterday about the progress
being made and what lies ahead.
(02:33):
>> Mister Ingram, we sure
appreciate you taking the time
to sit down with us here at
wrexham it. Let's do it.
And let's talk about addiction
numbers saying Kentucky, based
on what we know, what those
numbers look like in, are you
hopeful that they are
improving? I feel like they are
approving of a study in 2019.
>> Identify the freshly
160,000, Kentuckyian with
(02:55):
opioid use disorder. It did not
count stimulant use disorder
that not cold. Cannabis for
alcohol. I just hope to use
disorder over 160,000 people.
>> That's certainly a large
number. When we talk about that
many Kentuckians that are
battling let's talk about
fentanyl. What is its impact
when we look at fatal?
(03:17):
>> Or near fatal overdoses is
as fentanyl largely to blame
for those.
>> And over 70% of all overdose
deaths include fentanyl.
The toxicology report. And
usually that's the driver of
that overdose of fentanyl.
So it continues to be a
problem.
I will be surprised if there's
not some new synthetic opioid
(03:37):
out. In 2 years.
I think that the possibility is
good that.
Cartels will develop another.
It should take opioids sites
but will in the future.
>> It's almost a never ending
battle. Always a new Hilda
overcome recovery efforts.
What are those looking like
in Kentucky right now? Are
there certain approaches that
(03:59):
you're finding to be?
>> Well, I'm really proud of
recovery efforts in Kentucky.
We started the program a few
years ago, a bill sponsored
by Robert for the bowling side
by Governor Beshear and all
that. Certified recovery ready
community.
So we've partnered with
Volunteers of America Mid-State
to go into a community and say
(04:20):
these are the things you need
to have to be recovery ready.
And help them.
Development program's put those
things in place and then be
certified to fly. These are
storm ready for work. Ready?
Weve got 21 communities now in
Kentucky that a recovery ready
in another 4 that will prove in
the coming really excited about
(04:41):
that program. We continue to
work with an up with good will
go to Kentucky Chamber and
others. To put on exposed.
But theres 2. Lake employee.
We have we have what we call a
fair Chance Academy where we
bring employers in and teach
them how to be a fair chance
employer, how to take someone
with a criminal record for
someone who's had addiction
(05:01):
issues. It showed that they
could. We should we can show
them that this could be
a ploy. What you can de defy
with will really work hard for
you because they're so grateful
to be away from that picture.
>> You've been at the helm of
these efforts for a long time
now. And your law enforcement
background and so way, are we
seeing maybe the last 5 to 10
(05:21):
years are using
anything new? And now we're
tackling addiction. And Howard
treating recovery. You know,
I think
>> the statement continues to
reduce. It's good. I think
Steve was a lot better now than
it was. A dozen years ago.
It certainly Wheeler come to
understand that medications to
treat opioid use disorder.
It could be very effective.
(05:44):
Give us the best opportunity to
KET someone alive.
I think the biggest difference
are seeing a little towns and
big cities and suburbs all
across Kentucky is just willing
this the part of people to
accept people who are recovery.
To invest in them. And what I
(06:04):
think is gonna make a
difference.
>> Van Ingram, executive
director of the Kentucky Office
for Drug Control Policy.
We appreciate your time so much
here at Wrexham it. Thank you.
Thank you.
♪
♪
(06:26):
>> Every attendee at this
year's It received a unique
item in their tote bag, a drug
destruction pouch. That
neutralizes almost any drug you
put in it, including powerful
drugs like oxycodone and
fentanyl. As you just heard
about and the kids is fake has
more on how this drug disposal
method for events, pollution.
(06:48):
And potential drug abuse.
>> There's lots of interesting
technology on display at the
2025 prescription and illicit
drug summit, including products
that use chemical digestion as
a method of safe drug disposal.
Barak's destroyer is one of
the pioneering companies in
this field and their drug
disposal formula is used
everywhere from hospitals to
(07:08):
coroner's offices to the
bathroom medicine cabinet.
>> The journey kind of started
in 2010, our CEO and founder,
I was on a regional version in
the Midwest of like a Shark
tank and there was a nurse
would last a young man to an
overdose kind of dumpster
diving chasing kind of been
destroyed or not fully new
(07:29):
tries to medications and
unfortunately, a man lost his
life and she thought there had
to be a better way.
>> Proper drug disposal in the
home is more important than
ever. According to the United
States National Survey on drug
use and Health, an estimated
2.2 million adolescence
suffered from a drug use
disorder in 2023, a drug
(07:49):
disposal pouch isn't easy.
Ready to use way to dispose
of unused medications.
>> So as you see, this is just
our forums pouch, very, very
simple to use based on like a
200 milligram Advil sized
tablet. This'll roughly do
about 80 pills. So what you do
is if you just bought the
product or was given to be
brought into the home, he would
just unscrew the cap. You take
(08:09):
your medication, you put it
directly inside and you were
just replace the calf. The
process is going to start
immediately. It's neutralizing
whatever medications you put
inside of that. So you got to
breaks it down like arsenic,
the activated carbon in here
ads are upset, not absorb like
when you ring something up with
a towel and Sarksyan is like a
(08:29):
chemical one-way transfer since
running that route run during
that drug, not Retrievable.
>> Rx Destroyer. Also partners
with government agencies and
nonprofits providing disposal
containers up to 55 gallons
in size. So whether it's the
4 ounce pouch or industrial
sized barrel, the liquid
formula can handle some
seriously dangerous substances,
including fentanyl. And it's
(08:50):
not a one and done disposal
method. You can continue to
feel the pouch until its full
then just throw it away when
those medications are either
leftover left behind, that can
pose a threat to our community
from getting into our water
and our soil since a much
bigger picture than just
>> at home or just at the
hospital. One of the greatest
benefits of this as you can
continue to use it for up to
(09:12):
a year or until fall. So if
we had medicine or home today
and we put 5 pills and that
we could come back around
Christmas time and still add
medication to this. The benefit
is you have a tool that you can
use for up to a year and
eliminate that medication from
the home preventing risk of
someone taking at preventing it
from going into the toilet or
down the drain and ultimately
ending up back in our bodies
(09:34):
through consumption or in a
landfill. And during our our
soil.
>> From our extra strong year
to just add water disposal bags
to revolutionary harm reduction
in crisis KET, the it is
connecting those fighting our
country's drug crisis with
tools they can use to make a
difference for Kentucky
edition. I'm McKenzie Spring.
(09:55):
>> Harm Reduction is just one
approach to tackling the drug
crisis. As you heard McCain to
talk about, and the drug prices
includes more than just
opioids, fentanyl and
methamphetamine. The state's
top cop made this issue a key
cornerstone of his campaign
2 years ago and his
professional credentials as a
former FBI agent and U.S.
attorney help inform his
(10:16):
approach and dedication to the
problem. Yesterday I spoke with
Kentucky Attorney General
Russel Coleman about how his
office is not just promoting
more collaboration among law
enforcement. What also focusing
on prevention that especially
targets Kentucky's use.
>> We do know that we're making
(10:37):
some great progress nationwide
and intent. Hockey overdose
deaths have been trending
downward, perhaps not as fast
as you would like, but any
decrease is worth celebrating.
And can you can text to allies
that for us about those
decreases and maybe what's
causing them.
>> I celebrate. We all
(10:59):
celebrate every life saved any
percent. How the crease.
But Renee. I want to get ahead
of ourselves at last year 2023,
the year that we have the most
up-to-date data. We lost
1984. Kentuckians just one to
almost 2000. Kentuckians.
It was the year before about
(11:20):
2200 Kentuckians in a small
state. Now I went to law school
to avoid math, but I will tell
you and statistics sometimes
can can blow over folks what
that equates to is one at a
time. Their names associated
with every one of those 1984,
(11:42):
there are empty seats in the
pews next to us. There are
empty seats, it kitchen tables.
There are devastated families.
There are bombs that aren't
there. There are kids that are
coming home. Young kids that
we're losing. We are
prosecuting case of a young
man, 17 year-old young man from
West Kentucky on a scholarship
(12:05):
to college took a what? Yeah.
What appeared to be a purpose
said a pain medication.
>> Going to school on a
scholarship. Full ride
scholarship. His father found
him the next day. I'm not out
of respect for his family.
Got a not mention his name, his
his photo. It's on my phone.
The photo of him and his
(12:25):
scholarship signing with his
family, with his friends with
his high school on my phone.
Yeah, we're doing better and
celebrate every one of those
lives. But we have a long, long
way to go.
>> Think about how law
enforcement course that's been
your a through line through
everything that you've done in
your professional career.
But to think about how do you
(12:46):
get safe young people before
they get to college and think,
well, I'm gonna try this at all
because I need more focus, not
knowing that it's laced with
deadly fentanyl.
>> Writes in your question is
it is a good one. If if there's
one takeaway from our
conversation, I want to flag
that we exist environment where
one pill one pill. And that
doesn't. That pill can resemble
(13:06):
at are all it can resemble
something in your medicine
cabinet unless that he'll comes
from your physician and you're
taking it as prescribed.
You are playing Russian
roulette with your life.
So when we talk about
prevention, it's kids
13 to 26.
>> It it is using this using
influencers, social media
(13:27):
influencers using social media
platforms.
>> Using deals with nil deals
with UK with U of L and your
alma mater with Western for
influencers to look at that
camera, Renee and say Trent
Noah, for instance, at UK from
from Harlan and also message
or gym on Hadley at the
(13:48):
University of Louisville
looking at that camera and the
message essentially saying you
want to wear this jersey, you
want to be like me. You want to
play on this court.
You're better. We had out it
BWI. The campaign is called
better without it. And I'll
admit to yeah, I'm a I mean,
that is a little Polly and on
the
front end, it has what's known
as a positivity driven message.
(14:10):
I've had to practice saying
that I want to beat that podium
and say don't do it. Why what
the data says we have to give
kids agency that they're smart
and they they listen to social
media influencers and their
peers and their peers. It would
end. So why not leverage this
and their peers?
>> To get a positivity driven
message, they're focused on
(14:31):
health. They're focused on
bettering themselves. So let's
now there are some that say,
well, their populations, you
can never get to. But we're
going to save as many lives as
we can. The data this has been
done in Florida, Broward County
and other counties in Florida.
So we're scaling it up. It is
statewide. It is using starting
with athletes were going to
use other social media
influencers that we can get
(14:54):
down to a zip code we can look
at. Is it Kobe? The heat?
He sits at 4, 0, 5, 0, 2, I
think we could identify who are
the most impactful? Social
media influencers. In your
neighborhood. And then how do
we if they're the right
messenger? If we were only
going to use the right
messengers, how do we use them
to get out there? Hey, you're
better off without Better being
(15:15):
healthy building, positive
relationships, having a sense
of self taking care of myself
exercising again by some poly
on its face. But this has been
proven to work elsewhere and
we're doing it here, not with
taxpayer dollars, either.
We're using opioid settlement
dollars money from the opioid
lawsuits. Those that brought
this crisis here are paying
for.
♪
(15:39):
♪
♪
>> Many of the most inspiring
stories. You'll hear it all
met. Are those of people
celebrating sobriety. They have
lived through the very
challenges that are being
addressed here at the summit.
(16:02):
Laura Rogers talks with Robyn
Parker of Southeastern
Kentucky, who was here this
week to share her story of
addiction. And recovery.
>> Robin, you not only work
for Operation Unite, but you
are also a hope ambassador here
at the Rx and Illicit Drug
summit. So tell us more about
what that means to be hope.
(16:22):
Ambassador, I want to pershee
not for paying my name out
there and saying, you know that
this is something that should
do. I'm forever grateful that I
have then it because with my
story, it instills hope to
other people, not just people
that are in recovery, but that
have that sound recovery yet.
So when I was an addiction, I
didn't think that there was a
lot outside of that for me.
I thought that that was how I
(16:43):
would surely got out of this
world.
>> And I didn't think that
anyone cared are left for me
in any capacity. And so when
you're on this side of the
stance, right, you see all of
these wonderful, amazing people
that come together and that are
willing to fight for the cause
and for their sobriety. And
just so people poured into me
and I'm so grateful that I have
the opportunity to stand in
front of you and everyone in
(17:06):
say, hey, you know, you can be
in recovery. There is the last
out there that's worth living.
I would have never imagined
being here at the arts center
in Nashville. I mean that this
is a dream come true. My hope
is that my story will it just
set a fire and people in that
say, hey, if she can do and
I can truly did at can make
something of my life. I can
make those ashes and make a
(17:28):
beauty at it. So yeah. And is
that such a key part of it for
those that are in the throes of
addiction when they see someone
like
>> you that's gone through that
and it's come out on the other
side. How can that provide the
inspiration to seek help?
Absolutely. And so when I was
in addiction and I would see
these people that I had been to
parties with, that I had
(17:50):
gotten. How is
>> that? I had done all these
crazy while things with and
you see their stories is like
you see on this wall here at UC
the stories of how they came
out of it. They thought it like
their lives are worth living
now they have sought the
diction and they have one there
on the other side now. And so
when I was incarcerated are
and how low can never forget,
(18:11):
this girl just came in. She was
just like me. We did the same
things see. And we've got
Howard to saying things and she
was there in front of me, a
completely change the woman
and she gets out to Brady and
then it clicked if she can do
it. So And so it and family
asset recovery. And it's been
amazing and wonderful. And I've
been clean and sober for 6
(18:32):
years. Now. And so, I mean,
like I said, I would never
imagine me being here and just
tell. She was so many great
people and they're fighting
for the cause. They're fighting
for the person that spotting
a nation right now trying to
break down these barriers so
that people can have a good,
healthy, normal loss and you're
getting to speak. I'm sure with
a lot of people and share with
them what it was like for you
(18:53):
when you're going through
addiction and the recovery in
the treatment methods that
works for you. Isn't that
helpful for providers to hear?
Hey, this is what helped KET
me on track and help me find
sobriety. I mean, for the 12
step programs is that they do
help tremendously. Have a lot
of people, a lot of friends
that are in recovery that have
wintery haves and they've come
out and been phenomenal.
(19:14):
But I will say for me.
>> My of my stories a little
different. You know, my faith
in Jesus is set me free.
And through my sense prayer,
he brought me home to the is
mama. But then I know that the
Lord has put me here at
operation New, not so that we
can point to the kids rach
because we felt like we can
combat against this all day
long. But if you can get to
these kids and prevent it from
(19:37):
even being a sot in their mind
than you can really change the
future if you are a wonderful
success story, we're so happy
for you. Robin Parker, on
behalf of Operation Unite.
Also Hope the messenger here at
the Art Wrexham. It's great
talking with you.
>> So glad for her success.
Thank you, Lord, for that
story. You'll hear more
(19:58):
interviews from the Rx Illicit
Drug summit here in Nashville
throughout the week on Kentucky
EDITION, including people
sharing their addiction and
recovery stories. But we're
always got to see.
♪
♪
(20:21):
Turning now to politics,
Congressman Andy Barr is
running for the U.S. Senate in
2026. Bart is a Republican
serving the 6th congressional
district in central Kentucky as
he has been since 2013, he
announced his plans to run last
night in Richmond at
immediately voiced his full
support. President Donald
Trump.
(20:42):
>> Running for the United
States Senate.
♪
A conservative who honors our
Constitution believes in
individual freedom and fights
every single day for limited
(21:03):
government free enterprise and
a strong national defense.
A man who loves my family and
friends who lives and breathes
everything. Kentucky.
In horses and Kentucky
basketball.
Who has a deep passion for our
(21:23):
old Kentucky home and her
people. I'm no stranger to
fighting the good fight.
I first got fired up for you to
run for Congress when Barack
Obama was literally shredding
our constitution.
And the government at the
expense of the people and
trying to fundamentally change
the fiber of our nation.
(21:45):
I've been fighting. Nicole left
ever sense.
>> If our is running for U.S.,
Senator Mitch McConnell seat.
Senator McConnell announced a
month ago he would not be
seeking an 8th term in
Kentucky. Democratic Party is
criticizing Barr's record as a
(22:05):
member of the U.S. House
Democratic Party Chair Colmon
Eldridge says, quote, and
Congress. Andy Barr has done
absolutely nothing. While the
Trump administration cripples
our economy since prices
skyrocketing Target's Kentucky
signature industries and
threatens to got health care.
What 1.5 million Kentuckians
rely on, quote.
(22:27):
Daniel Cameron, Kentucky's
former attorney general is also
running in next year's
Republican primary. He ran for
governor in 2023 but lost to
Governor Andy Beshear. Nate
Morris, a Lexington businessman
is also considering Iran for
the Republican nomination.
Although no announcement has
come next.
28 Republican members of the
(22:47):
Kentucky State Senate are
asking the secretary of
Homeland Security to delay the
input, meditation deadline for
the real ID law in Kentucky
right now, the deadline is May
7 Senator Jimmy Higdon and
chair of the Senate
Transportation Committee in
Frankfort says Kentucky isn't
ready yet. He says too many
Kentuckyian still don't know
(23:08):
their options. And there are
still too many drivers licenses
offices with long lines.
Real ID's will be needed for
adults to fly with. And the
U.S. visit military bases or
enter a federal building that
requires an I D.
(23:33):
Housing advocates in Kentucky
joined other across the nation
Tuesday to rally for affordable
housing at the House. our ally
in Lexington Advocates spoke
about the lack of affordable
housing and offered what they
say. Our proven solutions to
homelessness.
>> In Kentucky, you have a
growing number of people who
(23:54):
are coming into homelessness
for the first time. People are
housing, insecure housing now
means it means people were at
so they can start to build his
ability that they need to grow
from that. I'm in the exact
example of that. I went from
being homeless in the early
2. Thousands again in 2014 and
now I'm elected councilwoman.
I have 4 graduate to have a
daughter about to get her
Masters. I have and I have 2
(24:18):
boys that are navigating high
school is shows you that was
meant to get stability. They're
able to grow from the air and
everybody in Kentucky no matter
their zip code or even if they
don't have a zip code that
serves housing and we have an
opportunity to get that to
them. If you prioritize, we
have 120 county focus. We want
to make sure that people
understand it. You are. We're
fighting for Kentucky's.
(24:39):
We're fighting for Kentucky as
an opportunity to be a
different way to gateway to the
south or one of the 4 states in
this nation. But we can make
sure that we work together to
house people and that's on a
federal level. That's not a
statewide level, which is why
we're here. from a local level
as many communities of pounds
into a race, you have the
registration leadership.
Know your guy.
>> You can't get anything done.
(25:02):
>> data suggest to you that
you worked both sides of the
fan.
>> Both political parties, you
can get things done
housing supply. It's a real
tough thing unless we
help out.
>> Our friends who were beloved
members are who are interested
in doing so. I did it. You are
(25:23):
getting getting thing done.
You've got to be concerned with
everybody in this town. Not
only just the the homeless, but
the people who can do something
for us 30 years ago, housing
victim, the drug felony.
I'm not a value on our house
and on that drug felony.
(25:46):
>> Time I am on us. If I I
can't be a nurse. I'm livin on
a lie like that. How you?
>> And that's why Bush to clean
flight initiative.
Green fled initiative, part
meant to this city.
And, you know, it takes a
village to raise a child.
But it also takes a city to
(26:06):
raise and nourish and adult.
>> Anybody could be harmless in
a matter of a paycheck or 2
and too many people who have
never been homeless are coming
into homelessness across
Kentucky, Lexington and
Louisville, urban cores of the
state. But there also were a
lot of things happen and we can
make change and we could be
how that can work and be
applies in the smaller
(26:28):
counties. So it's about from
the neighborhoods to the
Hollows to urban centers to
the rule corps that we have
homes. This is issue and every
one of those communities.
>> According to a survey from
Lexington's, a strained voice
council. More than 3,000 people
were homeless in August of
(26:49):
2024.
♪
More from the RX and Illicit
Drug summit. Tomorrow, U.S.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi
spoke this morning here at the
Arak summit on border security
and its role in reversing the
drug epidemic. Hear more about
that tomorrow night. When we
(27:11):
bring it to you from back in
Lexington, all be there at
6.30, Eastern 5.30, central
for Kentucky edition where we
inform connect and inspire.
I'm Renee Shaw. Thank you for
being with us. As we've been
covering the Rx, Illicit Drug
summit here in Nashville
tomorrow night.
♪
>> I think the biggest
difference are seeing a little
towns and big cities and
suburbs all across Kentucky is
a willingness part of people to
accept people who are recovery.
To invest in them.
Where we then that's where
we're going as Kentuckyian the
nation's fight. The drug
crisis.
(00:26):
>> It's just saving lives.
Saving water city soil. One
prescription at a time.
>> We'll show you some of the
unique technology coming out of
the 2025 Rx Summit.
>> And for the United States
Senate.
♪
(00:48):
>> Kentucky's longtime
congressman is ready to change
the chamber's.
>> Production of Kentucky
Edition is made possible in
part by the KET Millennium
Fund.
♪
♪
(01:09):
♪
>> Good Evening and welcome
to Kentucky EDITION for this
Wednesday. April, the
TWENTY-THIRD, I'm Renee Shaw
and we thank you so much for
joining us. Once again. We're
at the G****** Opryland Resort
and Convention Center and
Nashville, Tennessee, for the
(01:30):
annual prescription and illicit
Drug Summit. The nation's
largest meeting of
professionals affected by drug
abuse and committed to fighting
it in 1984, it's not just a
number or data point. It's
lives of Kentuckians lost to a
fatal drug overdose in 2023.
nationwide. According to the
(01:51):
Centers for Disease Control,
the CDC, there's one overdose
nearly every 5 seconds. The
highest number of overdose
deaths ever recorded. It's
because of trends like that
that the annual prescription
and illicit drug Summit or Rx
and drug saw that it was
created 14 years ago. A few
1000 are gathering here in
(02:11):
Nashville to learn from each
other about ways law
enforcement policy makers
treatment providers and those
in active recovery can combat
addiction and then Ingram who
has Kentucky's Office of Drug
Control Policy spoke with
Kentucky additions. More Rogers
yesterday about the progress
being made and what lies ahead.
(02:33):
>> Mister Ingram, we sure
appreciate you taking the time
to sit down with us here at
wrexham it. Let's do it.
And let's talk about addiction
numbers saying Kentucky, based
on what we know, what those
numbers look like in, are you
hopeful that they are
improving? I feel like they are
approving of a study in 2019.
>> Identify the freshly
160,000, Kentuckyian with
(02:55):
opioid use disorder. It did not
count stimulant use disorder
that not cold. Cannabis for
alcohol. I just hope to use
disorder over 160,000 people.
>> That's certainly a large
number. When we talk about that
many Kentuckians that are
battling let's talk about
fentanyl. What is its impact
when we look at fatal?
(03:17):
>> Or near fatal overdoses is
as fentanyl largely to blame
for those.
>> And over 70% of all overdose
deaths include fentanyl.
The toxicology report. And
usually that's the driver of
that overdose of fentanyl.
So it continues to be a
problem.
I will be surprised if there's
not some new synthetic opioid
(03:37):
out. In 2 years.
I think that the possibility is
good that.
Cartels will develop another.
It should take opioids sites
but will in the future.
>> It's almost a never ending
battle. Always a new Hilda
overcome recovery efforts.
What are those looking like
in Kentucky right now? Are
there certain approaches that
(03:59):
you're finding to be?
>> Well, I'm really proud of
recovery efforts in Kentucky.
We started the program a few
years ago, a bill sponsored
by Robert for the bowling side
by Governor Beshear and all
that. Certified recovery ready
community.
So we've partnered with
Volunteers of America Mid-State
to go into a community and say
(04:20):
these are the things you need
to have to be recovery ready.
And help them.
Development program's put those
things in place and then be
certified to fly. These are
storm ready for work. Ready?
Weve got 21 communities now in
Kentucky that a recovery ready
in another 4 that will prove in
the coming really excited about
(04:41):
that program. We continue to
work with an up with good will
go to Kentucky Chamber and
others. To put on exposed.
But theres 2. Lake employee.
We have we have what we call a
fair Chance Academy where we
bring employers in and teach
them how to be a fair chance
employer, how to take someone
with a criminal record for
someone who's had addiction
(05:01):
issues. It showed that they
could. We should we can show
them that this could be
a ploy. What you can de defy
with will really work hard for
you because they're so grateful
to be away from that picture.
>> You've been at the helm of
these efforts for a long time
now. And your law enforcement
background and so way, are we
seeing maybe the last 5 to 10
(05:21):
years are using
anything new? And now we're
tackling addiction. And Howard
treating recovery. You know,
I think
>> the statement continues to
reduce. It's good. I think
Steve was a lot better now than
it was. A dozen years ago.
It certainly Wheeler come to
understand that medications to
treat opioid use disorder.
It could be very effective.
(05:44):
Give us the best opportunity to
KET someone alive.
I think the biggest difference
are seeing a little towns and
big cities and suburbs all
across Kentucky is just willing
this the part of people to
accept people who are recovery.
To invest in them. And what I
(06:04):
think is gonna make a
difference.
>> Van Ingram, executive
director of the Kentucky Office
for Drug Control Policy.
We appreciate your time so much
here at Wrexham it. Thank you.
Thank you.
♪
♪
(06:26):
>> Every attendee at this
year's It received a unique
item in their tote bag, a drug
destruction pouch. That
neutralizes almost any drug you
put in it, including powerful
drugs like oxycodone and
fentanyl. As you just heard
about and the kids is fake has
more on how this drug disposal
method for events, pollution.
(06:48):
And potential drug abuse.
>> There's lots of interesting
technology on display at the
2025 prescription and illicit
drug summit, including products
that use chemical digestion as
a method of safe drug disposal.
Barak's destroyer is one of
the pioneering companies in
this field and their drug
disposal formula is used
everywhere from hospitals to
(07:08):
coroner's offices to the
bathroom medicine cabinet.
>> The journey kind of started
in 2010, our CEO and founder,
I was on a regional version in
the Midwest of like a Shark
tank and there was a nurse
would last a young man to an
overdose kind of dumpster
diving chasing kind of been
destroyed or not fully new
(07:29):
tries to medications and
unfortunately, a man lost his
life and she thought there had
to be a better way.
>> Proper drug disposal in the
home is more important than
ever. According to the United
States National Survey on drug
use and Health, an estimated
2.2 million adolescence
suffered from a drug use
disorder in 2023, a drug
(07:49):
disposal pouch isn't easy.
Ready to use way to dispose
of unused medications.
>> So as you see, this is just
our forums pouch, very, very
simple to use based on like a
200 milligram Advil sized
tablet. This'll roughly do
about 80 pills. So what you do
is if you just bought the
product or was given to be
brought into the home, he would
just unscrew the cap. You take
(08:09):
your medication, you put it
directly inside and you were
just replace the calf. The
process is going to start
immediately. It's neutralizing
whatever medications you put
inside of that. So you got to
breaks it down like arsenic,
the activated carbon in here
ads are upset, not absorb like
when you ring something up with
a towel and Sarksyan is like a
(08:29):
chemical one-way transfer since
running that route run during
that drug, not Retrievable.
>> Rx Destroyer. Also partners
with government agencies and
nonprofits providing disposal
containers up to 55 gallons
in size. So whether it's the
4 ounce pouch or industrial
sized barrel, the liquid
formula can handle some
seriously dangerous substances,
including fentanyl. And it's
(08:50):
not a one and done disposal
method. You can continue to
feel the pouch until its full
then just throw it away when
those medications are either
leftover left behind, that can
pose a threat to our community
from getting into our water
and our soil since a much
bigger picture than just
>> at home or just at the
hospital. One of the greatest
benefits of this as you can
continue to use it for up to
(09:12):
a year or until fall. So if
we had medicine or home today
and we put 5 pills and that
we could come back around
Christmas time and still add
medication to this. The benefit
is you have a tool that you can
use for up to a year and
eliminate that medication from
the home preventing risk of
someone taking at preventing it
from going into the toilet or
down the drain and ultimately
ending up back in our bodies
(09:34):
through consumption or in a
landfill. And during our our
soil.
>> From our extra strong year
to just add water disposal bags
to revolutionary harm reduction
in crisis KET, the it is
connecting those fighting our
country's drug crisis with
tools they can use to make a
difference for Kentucky
edition. I'm McKenzie Spring.
(09:55):
>> Harm Reduction is just one
approach to tackling the drug
crisis. As you heard McCain to
talk about, and the drug prices
includes more than just
opioids, fentanyl and
methamphetamine. The state's
top cop made this issue a key
cornerstone of his campaign
2 years ago and his
professional credentials as a
former FBI agent and U.S.
attorney help inform his
(10:16):
approach and dedication to the
problem. Yesterday I spoke with
Kentucky Attorney General
Russel Coleman about how his
office is not just promoting
more collaboration among law
enforcement. What also focusing
on prevention that especially
targets Kentucky's use.
>> We do know that we're making
(10:37):
some great progress nationwide
and intent. Hockey overdose
deaths have been trending
downward, perhaps not as fast
as you would like, but any
decrease is worth celebrating.
And can you can text to allies
that for us about those
decreases and maybe what's
causing them.
>> I celebrate. We all
(10:59):
celebrate every life saved any
percent. How the crease.
But Renee. I want to get ahead
of ourselves at last year 2023,
the year that we have the most
up-to-date data. We lost
1984. Kentuckians just one to
almost 2000. Kentuckians.
It was the year before about
(11:20):
2200 Kentuckians in a small
state. Now I went to law school
to avoid math, but I will tell
you and statistics sometimes
can can blow over folks what
that equates to is one at a
time. Their names associated
with every one of those 1984,
(11:42):
there are empty seats in the
pews next to us. There are
empty seats, it kitchen tables.
There are devastated families.
There are bombs that aren't
there. There are kids that are
coming home. Young kids that
we're losing. We are
prosecuting case of a young
man, 17 year-old young man from
West Kentucky on a scholarship
(12:05):
to college took a what? Yeah.
What appeared to be a purpose
said a pain medication.
>> Going to school on a
scholarship. Full ride
scholarship. His father found
him the next day. I'm not out
of respect for his family.
Got a not mention his name, his
his photo. It's on my phone.
The photo of him and his
(12:25):
scholarship signing with his
family, with his friends with
his high school on my phone.
Yeah, we're doing better and
celebrate every one of those
lives. But we have a long, long
way to go.
>> Think about how law
enforcement course that's been
your a through line through
everything that you've done in
your professional career.
But to think about how do you
(12:46):
get safe young people before
they get to college and think,
well, I'm gonna try this at all
because I need more focus, not
knowing that it's laced with
deadly fentanyl.
>> Writes in your question is
it is a good one. If if there's
one takeaway from our
conversation, I want to flag
that we exist environment where
one pill one pill. And that
doesn't. That pill can resemble
(13:06):
at are all it can resemble
something in your medicine
cabinet unless that he'll comes
from your physician and you're
taking it as prescribed.
You are playing Russian
roulette with your life.
So when we talk about
prevention, it's kids
13 to 26.
>> It it is using this using
influencers, social media
(13:27):
influencers using social media
platforms.
>> Using deals with nil deals
with UK with U of L and your
alma mater with Western for
influencers to look at that
camera, Renee and say Trent
Noah, for instance, at UK from
from Harlan and also message
or gym on Hadley at the
(13:48):
University of Louisville
looking at that camera and the
message essentially saying you
want to wear this jersey, you
want to be like me. You want to
play on this court.
You're better. We had out it
BWI. The campaign is called
better without it. And I'll
admit to yeah, I'm a I mean,
that is a little Polly and on
the
front end, it has what's known
as a positivity driven message.
(14:10):
I've had to practice saying
that I want to beat that podium
and say don't do it. Why what
the data says we have to give
kids agency that they're smart
and they they listen to social
media influencers and their
peers and their peers. It would
end. So why not leverage this
and their peers?
>> To get a positivity driven
message, they're focused on
(14:31):
health. They're focused on
bettering themselves. So let's
now there are some that say,
well, their populations, you
can never get to. But we're
going to save as many lives as
we can. The data this has been
done in Florida, Broward County
and other counties in Florida.
So we're scaling it up. It is
statewide. It is using starting
with athletes were going to
use other social media
influencers that we can get
(14:54):
down to a zip code we can look
at. Is it Kobe? The heat?
He sits at 4, 0, 5, 0, 2, I
think we could identify who are
the most impactful? Social
media influencers. In your
neighborhood. And then how do
we if they're the right
messenger? If we were only
going to use the right
messengers, how do we use them
to get out there? Hey, you're
better off without Better being
(15:15):
healthy building, positive
relationships, having a sense
of self taking care of myself
exercising again by some poly
on its face. But this has been
proven to work elsewhere and
we're doing it here, not with
taxpayer dollars, either.
We're using opioid settlement
dollars money from the opioid
lawsuits. Those that brought
this crisis here are paying
for.
♪
(15:39):
♪
♪
>> Many of the most inspiring
stories. You'll hear it all
met. Are those of people
celebrating sobriety. They have
lived through the very
challenges that are being
addressed here at the summit.
(16:02):
Laura Rogers talks with Robyn
Parker of Southeastern
Kentucky, who was here this
week to share her story of
addiction. And recovery.
>> Robin, you not only work
for Operation Unite, but you
are also a hope ambassador here
at the Rx and Illicit Drug
summit. So tell us more about
what that means to be hope.
(16:22):
Ambassador, I want to pershee
not for paying my name out
there and saying, you know that
this is something that should
do. I'm forever grateful that I
have then it because with my
story, it instills hope to
other people, not just people
that are in recovery, but that
have that sound recovery yet.
So when I was an addiction, I
didn't think that there was a
lot outside of that for me.
I thought that that was how I
(16:43):
would surely got out of this
world.
>> And I didn't think that
anyone cared are left for me
in any capacity. And so when
you're on this side of the
stance, right, you see all of
these wonderful, amazing people
that come together and that are
willing to fight for the cause
and for their sobriety. And
just so people poured into me
and I'm so grateful that I have
the opportunity to stand in
front of you and everyone in
(17:06):
say, hey, you know, you can be
in recovery. There is the last
out there that's worth living.
I would have never imagined
being here at the arts center
in Nashville. I mean that this
is a dream come true. My hope
is that my story will it just
set a fire and people in that
say, hey, if she can do and
I can truly did at can make
something of my life. I can
make those ashes and make a
(17:28):
beauty at it. So yeah. And is
that such a key part of it for
those that are in the throes of
addiction when they see someone
like
>> you that's gone through that
and it's come out on the other
side. How can that provide the
inspiration to seek help?
Absolutely. And so when I was
in addiction and I would see
these people that I had been to
parties with, that I had
(17:50):
gotten. How is
>> that? I had done all these
crazy while things with and
you see their stories is like
you see on this wall here at UC
the stories of how they came
out of it. They thought it like
their lives are worth living
now they have sought the
diction and they have one there
on the other side now. And so
when I was incarcerated are
and how low can never forget,
(18:11):
this girl just came in. She was
just like me. We did the same
things see. And we've got
Howard to saying things and she
was there in front of me, a
completely change the woman
and she gets out to Brady and
then it clicked if she can do
it. So And so it and family
asset recovery. And it's been
amazing and wonderful. And I've
been clean and sober for 6
(18:32):
years. Now. And so, I mean,
like I said, I would never
imagine me being here and just
tell. She was so many great
people and they're fighting
for the cause. They're fighting
for the person that spotting
a nation right now trying to
break down these barriers so
that people can have a good,
healthy, normal loss and you're
getting to speak. I'm sure with
a lot of people and share with
them what it was like for you
(18:53):
when you're going through
addiction and the recovery in
the treatment methods that
works for you. Isn't that
helpful for providers to hear?
Hey, this is what helped KET
me on track and help me find
sobriety. I mean, for the 12
step programs is that they do
help tremendously. Have a lot
of people, a lot of friends
that are in recovery that have
wintery haves and they've come
out and been phenomenal.
(19:14):
But I will say for me.
>> My of my stories a little
different. You know, my faith
in Jesus is set me free.
And through my sense prayer,
he brought me home to the is
mama. But then I know that the
Lord has put me here at
operation New, not so that we
can point to the kids rach
because we felt like we can
combat against this all day
long. But if you can get to
these kids and prevent it from
(19:37):
even being a sot in their mind
than you can really change the
future if you are a wonderful
success story, we're so happy
for you. Robin Parker, on
behalf of Operation Unite.
Also Hope the messenger here at
the Art Wrexham. It's great
talking with you.
>> So glad for her success.
Thank you, Lord, for that
story. You'll hear more
(19:58):
interviews from the Rx Illicit
Drug summit here in Nashville
throughout the week on Kentucky
EDITION, including people
sharing their addiction and
recovery stories. But we're
always got to see.
♪
♪
(20:21):
Turning now to politics,
Congressman Andy Barr is
running for the U.S. Senate in
2026. Bart is a Republican
serving the 6th congressional
district in central Kentucky as
he has been since 2013, he
announced his plans to run last
night in Richmond at
immediately voiced his full
support. President Donald
Trump.
(20:42):
>> Running for the United
States Senate.
♪
A conservative who honors our
Constitution believes in
individual freedom and fights
every single day for limited
(21:03):
government free enterprise and
a strong national defense.
A man who loves my family and
friends who lives and breathes
everything. Kentucky.
In horses and Kentucky
basketball.
Who has a deep passion for our
(21:23):
old Kentucky home and her
people. I'm no stranger to
fighting the good fight.
I first got fired up for you to
run for Congress when Barack
Obama was literally shredding
our constitution.
And the government at the
expense of the people and
trying to fundamentally change
the fiber of our nation.
(21:45):
I've been fighting. Nicole left
ever sense.
>> If our is running for U.S.,
Senator Mitch McConnell seat.
Senator McConnell announced a
month ago he would not be
seeking an 8th term in
Kentucky. Democratic Party is
criticizing Barr's record as a
(22:05):
member of the U.S. House
Democratic Party Chair Colmon
Eldridge says, quote, and
Congress. Andy Barr has done
absolutely nothing. While the
Trump administration cripples
our economy since prices
skyrocketing Target's Kentucky
signature industries and
threatens to got health care.
What 1.5 million Kentuckians
rely on, quote.
(22:27):
Daniel Cameron, Kentucky's
former attorney general is also
running in next year's
Republican primary. He ran for
governor in 2023 but lost to
Governor Andy Beshear. Nate
Morris, a Lexington businessman
is also considering Iran for
the Republican nomination.
Although no announcement has
come next.
28 Republican members of the
(22:47):
Kentucky State Senate are
asking the secretary of
Homeland Security to delay the
input, meditation deadline for
the real ID law in Kentucky
right now, the deadline is May
7 Senator Jimmy Higdon and
chair of the Senate
Transportation Committee in
Frankfort says Kentucky isn't
ready yet. He says too many
Kentuckyian still don't know
(23:08):
their options. And there are
still too many drivers licenses
offices with long lines.
Real ID's will be needed for
adults to fly with. And the
U.S. visit military bases or
enter a federal building that
requires an I D.
(23:33):
Housing advocates in Kentucky
joined other across the nation
Tuesday to rally for affordable
housing at the House. our ally
in Lexington Advocates spoke
about the lack of affordable
housing and offered what they
say. Our proven solutions to
homelessness.
>> In Kentucky, you have a
growing number of people who
(23:54):
are coming into homelessness
for the first time. People are
housing, insecure housing now
means it means people were at
so they can start to build his
ability that they need to grow
from that. I'm in the exact
example of that. I went from
being homeless in the early
2. Thousands again in 2014 and
now I'm elected councilwoman.
I have 4 graduate to have a
daughter about to get her
Masters. I have and I have 2
(24:18):
boys that are navigating high
school is shows you that was
meant to get stability. They're
able to grow from the air and
everybody in Kentucky no matter
their zip code or even if they
don't have a zip code that
serves housing and we have an
opportunity to get that to
them. If you prioritize, we
have 120 county focus. We want
to make sure that people
understand it. You are. We're
fighting for Kentucky's.
(24:39):
We're fighting for Kentucky as
an opportunity to be a
different way to gateway to the
south or one of the 4 states in
this nation. But we can make
sure that we work together to
house people and that's on a
federal level. That's not a
statewide level, which is why
we're here. from a local level
as many communities of pounds
into a race, you have the
registration leadership.
Know your guy.
>> You can't get anything done.
(25:02):
>> data suggest to you that
you worked both sides of the
fan.
>> Both political parties, you
can get things done
housing supply. It's a real
tough thing unless we
help out.
>> Our friends who were beloved
members are who are interested
in doing so. I did it. You are
(25:23):
getting getting thing done.
You've got to be concerned with
everybody in this town. Not
only just the the homeless, but
the people who can do something
for us 30 years ago, housing
victim, the drug felony.
I'm not a value on our house
and on that drug felony.
(25:46):
>> Time I am on us. If I I
can't be a nurse. I'm livin on
a lie like that. How you?
>> And that's why Bush to clean
flight initiative.
Green fled initiative, part
meant to this city.
And, you know, it takes a
village to raise a child.
But it also takes a city to
(26:06):
raise and nourish and adult.
>> Anybody could be harmless in
a matter of a paycheck or 2
and too many people who have
never been homeless are coming
into homelessness across
Kentucky, Lexington and
Louisville, urban cores of the
state. But there also were a
lot of things happen and we can
make change and we could be
how that can work and be
applies in the smaller
(26:28):
counties. So it's about from
the neighborhoods to the
Hollows to urban centers to
the rule corps that we have
homes. This is issue and every
one of those communities.
>> According to a survey from
Lexington's, a strained voice
council. More than 3,000 people
were homeless in August of
(26:49):
2024.
♪
More from the RX and Illicit
Drug summit. Tomorrow, U.S.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi
spoke this morning here at the
Arak summit on border security
and its role in reversing the
drug epidemic. Hear more about
that tomorrow night. When we
(27:11):
bring it to you from back in
Lexington, all be there at
6.30, Eastern 5.30, central
for Kentucky edition where we
inform connect and inspire.
I'm Renee Shaw. Thank you for
being with us. As we've been
covering the Rx, Illicit Drug
summit here in Nashville
tomorrow night.
♪
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Karoline Borega married a man of honor – a respected Colorado Springs Police officer. She knew there would be sacrifices to accommodate her husband’s career. But she had no idea that he was using his badge to fool everyone. This season, we expose a man who swore two sacred oaths—one to his badge, one to his bride—and broke them both. We follow Karoline as she questions everything she thought she knew about her partner of over 20 years. And make sure to check out Seasons 1-3 of Betrayal, along with Betrayal Weekly Season 1.
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Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.