Barren County Schools announces Opioid Recovery Trust Grant

GLASGOW, Ky. — An opioid recovery grant is being awarded to support the Barren County Schools Resilience Factor Program.

According to the district on Wednesday, Shelley Thomas, the youth services center coordinator at Barren County High School, secured the grant to expand the district’s Resilience Factor Program.

The program is a family-centered initiative supporting students and families impacted by the opioid crisis, according to a release by the district.

The award comes through the Public School Districts’ Opioid Recovery Trust, which recently announced funding to school districts nationwide to address addiction’s impact on students and their families.

The Resilience Factor Program was established in 2021 and led by Thomas. It connects at-risk students and their families with mental health counseling, life-skills education, individualized family support plans and community engagement projects.

The expanded program will continue monthly family meetings, counseling and case management in partnership with local providers and practical trainings, such as financial literacy and Narcan, CPR and AED while also removing barriers like transportation and access to basic needs.