Addiction is a chronic disease, not a moral failure. Yet, in Kentucky, most incarcerated individuals are denied life-saving Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). This denial hinders recovery, tears families apart, and deepens the cycles of addiction and incarceration. The time to act is now—this injustice must end.

We, the undersigned, call on Kentucky’s Senate, House of Representatives, and Department of Corrections to ensure that every incarcerated person has access to MAT as a fundamental part of their healthcare and rehabilitation. Denying this critical treatment creates needless suffering and perpetuates injustice. Kentucky has the power to lead by offering comprehensive, evidence-based treatment to all who need it. This is about building a healthier, safer, and more equitable future for everyone—starting right now.

Why This Matters

Addiction is a public health crisis that touches countless lives. In Kentucky, individuals who are incarcerated are among the most vulnerable, as the lack of access to proper treatment and resources exacerbates the cycle of addiction, mental illness, and physical deterioration. This not only affects the incarcerated individuals but also creates dangerous and difficult work environments for correctional officers. Families are torn apart, trust is broken, and reintegration into society becomes almost impossible without proper treatment. Denying access to MAT does nothing to solve the problem of addiction but deepens the rifts in our society and perpetuates systemic injustice.

The current situation in Kentucky prisons is inhumane: individuals are subjected to conditions that exacerbate their suffering, including solitary confinement, physical restraint, and pepper spray—tactics that resemble torture. These cruel methods do nothing to address the root cause of addiction. You cannot fight chronic illness with violence. The introduction of MAT for all inmates is a humane and evidence-based solution that has already proven successful in helping people reclaim their lives and begin healing.

The Reality in Kentucky Prisons

All facilities in Kentucky have the ability to offer MAT, but they have chosen to provide it to only a small number of inmates. This leaves the majority without access to the life-saving treatment they desperately need. While officials claim progress, it’s happening far too slowly. How many more lives will be lost to overdose? How many more will contract hepatitis or die from fentanyl poisoning before action is taken? How many more families will be torn apart as the addiction cycle continues?

The opioid epidemic has ravaged Kentucky’s communities, and many individuals who could be in recovery are instead locked away in prisons, untreated. This only perpetuates the vicious cycle of addiction and recidivism. Expanding access to MAT in Kentucky prisons is not just about providing a treatment; it’s about restoring hope, preventing overdose deaths after release, and giving people the tools they need to reintegrate into society successfully.

Our Demands

• Immediate MAT Access for All Incarcerated Individuals: No one should be denied treatment while incarcerated. MAT should be made available to all individuals who need it, regardless of their incarceration status.
• Comprehensive Addiction Treatment: Ensure that MAT is coupled with counseling, mental health support, and other recovery services to address the root causes of addiction.
• Post-Release MAT Access: Upon release, individuals should be connected to MAT providers and supportive services to continue their recovery and reintegrate into society successfully.
• Training for Correctional Staff: Provide ongoing training for correctional staff to recognize the importance of MAT and support its integration into the prison healthcare system.

Why You Should Sign

This is not just a petition—it’s a cry for justice. Right now, people are suffering and dying needlessly because of outdated and cruel policies. Addiction is a disease, and withholding treatment is a violation of basic human rights. By signing this petition, you are demanding a fair chance at recovery for thousands of people, helping to break the cycles of addiction, incarceration, and injustice. This is your chance to stand up for the dignity and humanity of all individuals who are incarcerated.

Why This Matters:

• MAT Saves Lives: It reduces overdose deaths, relapse rates, and criminal behavior.
• Justice Demands It: Denying treatment to people with a chronic illness is cruel and inhumane. Addiction is a disease, and the justice system should provide tools for recovery, not perpetuate suffering.
• MAT Reduces Recidivism: Recovery support lowers re-incarceration and builds healthier and safer communities.
• MAT is Cost-Effective: It saves taxpayers money by reducing hospital visits, law enforcement burdens, and societal harm.
• MAT Works: Endorsed by leading health organizations (CDC, NIH, WHO), MAT is the gold standard for treating opioid addiction and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Why This is Urgent

Every day without action means more overdoses, more illness, and more lives destroyed. Kentucky must act now. The reluctance to provide adequate treatment and healthcare only creates deeper rifts in our society, leaving families shattered and communities in despair. We cannot afford to wait. Each signature on this petition is a step toward ending the cruel treatment of incarcerated individuals and providing them with the real help they need to recover.

The time to act is now. Together, we can end this injustice. Sign the petition today and demand Medication-Assisted Treatment for all incarcerated individuals in Kentucky.