The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce hosted an event at Gatti Land in Pikeville to discuss a new “Opiod Response Program” to help educate employers and community members on substance use disorder in hopes of reducing stigma in the workplace.

“We educate employers on substance use disorder, not just opioids, but substance use in general,” states Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Employment Specialist Ashley McCarty. “

As a former Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, McCarty says that she became addicted to pain pills after surgeries and then later turned to methamphetamine.

“I never, ever thought that six and a half years ago, living in my car, would I be working for the Kentucky Chamber…standing here, talking to you, I never thought this would happen,” says McCarty.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with any type of abuse, reach out to your local rehabilitation/recovery center for treatment and help.