UK receives $87 million grant to help stop opioid crisis in Kentucky

University+of+Kentucky+Chandler+Hospital.+STAFF

University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital. STAFF

Sydney Momeyer

The University of Kentucky has received its biggest grant to date.

On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex M. Azar announced that UK received a grant of $87 million. The grant was awarded to help reduce opioid deaths by 40 percent throughout Kentucky.

According to reporting done by the Lexington Herald-Leader, there are 16 counties throughout the state that will be focused on: Fayette, Bourbon, Franklin, Jessamine, Clark, Madison, Boyle, Jefferson, Knox, Floyd, Carter, Boyd, Greenup, Mason, Campbell and Kenton.

According to UKNOW, UK’s largest grant previously was for math and science education in Appalachia.

The study that will be conducted throughout these counties is expected to last four years.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from Gov. Bevin and his administration,” said UK President Eli Capilouto, who was present in Washington D.C. with Bevin. “Today, we are declaring in a united voice that we can stem this devastating tide.”