Hope and Help for the Journey
Ellen Keaton
The Ashland Beacon
Addiction … the word brings so many emotions and stigmas to mind when spoken … shame, sadness, heartache, desperation, judgment … terms such as drunk, junkie, crackhead. The drug epidemic has touched every family in our community in one way or another. Finally, there is help and hope for the journey to recovery for anyone and everyone who is in need. Last week three new facilities were opened in Ashland to aid in treatment and recovery.
The Journey, located on U.S. 60 in Summit was one of these. Jennifer Willis, CEO explained the Journey is a merger of two smaller facilities, The Journey House and A Mother’s Journey. “These beds are available to any woman whether she is pregnant or newly postpartum. She can keep her baby here with her so that both are safe where she can recover effectively and with love in addition to any other woman that may need treatment … so this facility is open to any woman.” She added, there are a total of 25 beds at the Journey.
The Journey features a very homelike setting inside with a large inviting gathering area, play area for the babies, laundry room, kitchen, and dining area. The bedrooms are decorated with bright-colored bedding and décor as well as a crib in each room. The home will be staffed with a full complement of support and help these women need to aid in their recovery. In addition, they will receive help to return to the workforce in good jobs to support themselves or their families.
Gov. Andy Beshear was present for this special opening. “Just look around you and at how much has changed in the last eight to ten years. Opposed to a stigma and judgment, we celebrate those who would walk through these doors and accept the type of help to improve their lives.” Beshear promised the mothers present with their babies who would be living in the home, “We will do everything we can to help you.”
According to the governor, a recent study showed Kentucky has more treatment beds per capita than any other state in the United States. For many years, the cost of treatment prevented many from seeking the help they so desperately needed. The governor continued, “When you have the level of addiction that Kentucky has seen, it requires an unprecedented level of response. As we sit here today, any Kentuckian in need that is ready, we have a bed for you, and we can make sure it is paid for … cost is no longer an impediment … we can help every single person who needs it.”
Tanya Unrue Lemaster, who is the Director of Operations, shared her heart for the work at the Journey. She asked the question, “Why are we here?” In response, she shared that untreated substance abuse in pregnant women can lead to placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, preterm labor and sometimes even the death of the baby. Lemaster explained that EMS had been called to several businesses surrounding the new facility for drug overdoses in the bathrooms and parking lots. The need is in the community for help and recovery. “I’m really grateful to be here, grateful we are all here to help fight this epidemic … we are making a difference.” Speaking from her heart, with a break in her voice, she shared that treatment helped people stay employed, take care of their children, engage with their families and communities in a positive and impactful way. Pointing to her family, she continued, “My family is right there, and I’m a peer support specialist in recovery myself.” This is a testament to the success of treatment and recovery.
Rocky Adkins, who is Senior Advisor to the governor shared with the Ashland Beacon, “What we are doing here today is just really who we are as people. This is how we put our arm around people that we all know and have been impacted in some shape form or fashion by addiction whether it’s been ourselves, a family member or a friend. We all know people who have died from overdoses and understand the scourge that has come across our country.” Adkins challenged anyone suffering from an addiction to know there is help, but they have to raise their hand and be willing to ask for the help. “This is no longer something that is hidden in a closet. It’s something that has impacted every individual in our community and throughout Kentucky, but we have been hit harder because the big drug companies have targeted our small rural communities. This is about who Kentuckians are, this about Boyd County … family, reaching out so they know we are here, really here to help them to get back on their feet … to become the person they want to be.”
If you are suffering from an addiction there is help. You can reach out to Pathways at 606.324.1141. If you are having an emergency or a crisis, call 1.800.562.8909.
