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UNSHAME Kentucky is a public health campaign aimed to reduce the addiction-related stigma held by Kentuckians across the state. It is run by Shatterproof – a national nonprofit committed to ending the addiction crisis in the United States – in partnership with the Kentucky Opioid Response Effort (KORE). The intervention has three main objectives:
UNSHAME Kentucky is funded by the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities' Kentucky Opioid Response Effort (KORE), a part of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. KORE and Shatterproof are working together to better understand the opioid use disorder landscape across Kentucky and implement a stigma reduction campaign. This project is supported by KORE through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Grant TI-83-283.
Kentucky Opioid Response Effort (KORE) seeks to expand and sustain a comprehensive, equitable recovery-oriented system of care to end the opioid epidemic in Kentucky. Through the administration of federal State Opioid Response dollars, KORE supports the implementation of over 200 evidence-based prevention, treatment and recovery programs across the commonwealth.
Shatterproof is a national nonprofit dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis. Shatterproof's work consists of the following three pillars: revolutionizing the treatment system, breaking down addiction-related stigma, and supporting and empowering our communities. Using a research-driven, contact-based strategy, Shatterproof's addiction stigma reduction campaigns source and curate video testimonials of people impacted by OUD across the state and community-based organizations. In 2020, Shatterproof launched a national Movement to End Addiction Stigma to catalyze the change needed to reduce addiction-related stigma.
Ashley Riley is the Program Coordinator for Unshame Kentucky with the National Stigma Initiative. She leads the story collection and community partner outreach, building trust between the campaign and larger KY community.
Prior to this role, Ashley was a Program Coordinator for Treatment ATLAS, Shatterproof’s quality measurement system for addiction treatment facilities. Ashley provided support for states that have already implemented the Treatment ATLAS platform and those working towards the development and implementation of expansion of Treatment ATLAS into new states. She helped states to implement ATLAS and save many lives through addiction treatment.
Ashley has both professional and personal experience in the field of recovery. At 21 years old, Ashley began her journey as a person in recovery from substance use and has now been in recovery for 8 years. In 2016, Ashley designed and implemented a Collegiate Recovery Program at Colorado State University helping hundreds of students find recovery. She also has professional experience working one-on-one with people who have mental health and substance use concerns. Ashley is an advocate for young adults in recovery and people in the LGBTQ+ community.
Ashley received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Connecticut and is a big UConn basketball fan. Ashley lives in Colorado and enjoys spending time with her wife, Kaylie. In her free time, she loves to hike, play basketball and softball, and be outside in nature. Her passion continues to be recovery advocacy including writing and speaking, networking, and designing and implementing programs. Ashley can be reached at ariley@shatterproof.org.
Why does UNSHAME Kentucky collect stories? Research has found that addiction stigma is significantly reduced when individuals can put a face to the disease of addiction. Listening to the story of a person in recovery, a friend or family member of someone with an OUD, and people that work in the opioid use field allows people to fully understand the impact OUD has on people from all walks of life.
Is there a cost associated with becoming a partner of the campaign? No, there is no cost to become a partner of the campaign; all community-based organizations and individuals that sign up to be a campaign partner will be provided with free webinars, education, and digital content throughout the duration of the campaign.
What is the expected time commitment for campaign partners? UNSHAME Kentucky partners can commit as much time to the initiative as they choose. Partners can do any or all of the following to help reduce addiction related stigma in their communities:
How do I get information on the campaign? If you would like to begin receiving addiction stigma reduction information from UNSHAME Kentucky, please fill out an Intake Form.
How can I support the UNSHAME Kentucky campaign? There are a few ways you can support UNSHAME Kentucky:
What should I do if a loved one has an OUD? Kentuckians struggling with a substance use disorder, either themselves or within their families, can visit the Find Help Now website at findhelpnowky.org 24/7 to find an addiction treatment facility taking new clients right now.
You may also call toll free (833) 8KY-HELP (833-859-4357) to speak with a specialist about treatment options and available resources on Monday through Friday from 8:30am-10pm or Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am-5:30pm.
Kentuckians can also reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 9-8-8.
UNSHAME Kentucky is brought to you by the Kentucky Opioid Response Effort (KORE) in partnership with Shatterproof. The campaign is funded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky's Cabinet for Health and Family Services Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities.