Vice President JD Vance’s mother visits Barren County at addiction recovery event

GLASGOW, Ky – Barren County had a special visitor as Vice President JD Vance’s mother, Beverly Vance-Aikins, visited the area.

Vance-Aikins attended the “Voices of Recovery” event, which focuses on connection, support and awareness surrounding addiction and recovery.

The event featured tables from local organizations offering resources on addiction recovery and mental health.

Vance-Aikins also shared her personal story of recovery, along with two other keynote speakers from across Kentucky.

“With addiction and recovery, we want everybody to know that just because somebody has struggled with addiction does not define them or the rest of their life, because recovery is possible,” said Libby Short, executive director of Community Partner for Recovery.

“Recovery does happen, and we’re witnessing that every day here in Barren County,” Short added.

Vance-Aikins says she recently celebrated 11 years of sobriety and said her mission for the night would be accomplished if she helped even one person in their battle with addiction.

Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd shared similar thoughts about the event.

“I hope it inspires someone to see a light and to see that there is an opportunity to recover and come out of that, whether it’s addiction or something related to mental health, and to know there are resources out there to help,” Byrd said.