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Lifeline Recovery asks Paducah for $200,000 in opioid-settlement funds to buy vans
Summary
Lifeline Recovery Center asked the commission to approve a $200,000 one-time payment from opioid settlement funds to buy four passenger vans to transport clients to treatment, work and court; staff confirmed restrictions on opioid funds and said the request will be voted on in two weeks.
City staff introduced an ordinance to contract with Lifeline Recovery Center for up to $200,000 to purchase four passenger vans, funded from the city's opioid settlement account. Steve Palace, chair of Lifeline's board, and executive director Ashley Miller described how transportation barriers interrupt recovery and daily functioning for clients. “Right now, we're trying to meet all of those needs with 13 vehicles, and 10 of them have more than 150,000 miles on them,” Miller said, explaining that missed rides can set back custody outcomes, court appearances and employment.
Palace said Lifeline has demonstrated outcomes — roughly 2,500 graduates with more than 60% remaining sober after one year — and argued additional transport capacity would connect clients to recovery meetings, work and court dates. City Manager Jordan and finance staff confirmed the opioid settlement fund has available dollars that are not already allocated to the deflection specialist program; the funds will be brought back for a vote in two weeks after staff finalizes contract terms and reporting requirements tied to the settlement funds.
