What is the KY-ODCP?
The Office of Drug Control Policy is tasked to coordinate Kentucky’s response to substance abuse. Our goal is to change the way substance abuse is handled in Kentucky, reducing the problem, and making the Commonwealth a model for other states. We have joined prevention/education, treatment, and law enforcement in a united effort to confront this epidemic and have made great strides. As we plan for the future, we know the success of our initiatives depends on the involvement and support of grassroots coalitions, local and state agencies, as well as community and faith-based organizations throughout Kentucky.
2015 Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy Overdose Fatality Report:
2015 KY ODCP Overdose Fatality Report Final .pdf
In Kentucky, fentanyl was a factor in 420 fatal overdoses in 2015, up from 121 in the previous year. The drug contributed to 34 percent of all overdose deaths in the state, frequently in combination with heroin or other drugs.
Fentanyl-related deaths have been on the rise across the country over the past year, and experts say many addicts are not aware they are consuming the drug. It is 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin and can prove deadly at very low levels, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Overall, fatal overdoses totaled 1,248 last year, compared to 1,071 in 2014. Heroin was detected in 28 percent of cases, consistent with the previous year. However, as a total, heroin-related deaths increased in 2015, largely because the drug is being laced with fentanyl.
2015 Combined Annual Report: Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy & Kentucky Agency For Substance Abuse Policy
2015 Final combined annual report.pdf
This report focuses on the 2015 accomplishments of KY-ODCP and KY-ASAP and the advances we have made in fighting substance abuse.
Since the establishment of this office on July 9, 2004, by Executive Order 2004-730, we have been responsible for all matters relating to the research, coordination and execution of drug control policy for the Commonwealth, while directing state and federal grants management that focus on prevention/education, enforcement and treatment efforts.
The KY-ODCP is proud to coordinate Kentucky’s response to substance abuse through prevention, treatment and law enforcement. Our goal is to change the way substance abuse is handled in Kentucky and reduce the problem, making the Commonwealth a model for other states.
We continue to work toward significant goals that will strengthen our position to fight drugs in our state through innovative partnerships, technology and leadership.
We hope you find our website useful and informative. Please take advantage of all the new tools that make our website user-friendly and do not hesitate to contact us if you need additional assistance. You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter at @kyodcp for in-the-moment updates.
If you have any questions or comments please contact Heather Wainscott at heather.wainscott@ky.gov or Amy Andrews at amy.andrews@ky.gov.
The University of Kentucky, Institute for Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy completed an evaluation of the impact of House Bill 1 passed during the special session of the 2012 Kentucky Legislature. Following is the executive summary of the study and the full study report. For all other information, please visit the KASPER web page.