Court backs small transport fund and transit memoranda to help residents access out-of-county opioid treatment

During the July 10 session, court members discussed and approved measures to expand transportation for people needing opioid-related treatment and services. County staff and partners described gaps when youth require inpatient or non-emergency transport to centers in Lexington or Louisville and proposed a modest county-funded transportation line and a memorandum of understanding with Bluegrass Community Action Partnership Transit (BGCAP Transit) to provide trips for the Franklin County Opioid Abatement Program (FCOAP).

Kelly and other social-service presenters explained the program is intended for non-emergency transport when Medicaid does not cover the trip or scheduling obstacles prevent families from attending treatment. The court asked the treasurer to prepare a tracking line item for settlement funds to document transportation expenses (discussion at SEG 1690'SEG 1710). Squire questions focused on scope (originating in Franklin County, discharge from hospitals) and whether buses or other vehicles would be used; presenters confirmed the model will use available fleet vehicles and a per-mile payment structure when appropriate.

The court approved a memorandum of understanding authorizing BGCAP Transit to provide transportation services for the county's opioid-abatement clients (voted in the session at SEG 3769'SEG 3777). The court also authorized staff to create a budget subline for tracking those expenditures and directed staff to return written language clarifying management and reporting requirements.

The program is meant to keep youth connected to outpatient/support services and reduce transport via law enforcement or emergency rooms when it is not clinically required.