Quick answer
Perry County's overdose deaths fell by half in 2024, from 24 to 12, but fentanyl was still the drug most often involved statewide. Medication for opioid use disorder is the standard of care, and Kentucky Medicaid covers it. Kentucky River Community Care runs treatment in Hazard. Here is how to start.
Eastern Kentucky has lost more people to fentanyl than almost anywhere, so if you are reading this in Hazard, you are not alone and you are not the first person in this county to ask for help. The news here is genuinely good: Perry County's overdose deaths fell by half in 2024. Treatment is what drives that, and it starts with one call.
What Perry County's numbers show
The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy's 2024 report counts 12 Perry County overdose deaths in 2024, down from 24 in 2023 — a 50% drop — with the county's age-adjusted rate falling from 93.3 to 43.6 per 100,000. That is still above Kentucky's statewide rate of 32.0, which is why the work is not done.
Statewide, fentanyl was identified through toxicology in 878 overdose deaths in 2024 — 62.3% of the total — and it rarely appears alone: the state's most common two-drug combination that year was fentanyl with methamphetamine, identified together in 509 deaths.
Medication is the standard of care
The National Institute on Drug Abuse describes medication for opioid use disorder as the standard of care and reports that people on methadone or buprenorphine are less likely to die or overdose than people who go without.
- Buprenorphine — a daily tablet or film, prescribable in a clinic or doctor's office.
- Methadone — dispensed daily at a certified opioid treatment program.
- Naltrexone — blocks opioid receptors, but only after full detox.
Medication works best alongside counseling, and it can continue safely through pregnancy under medical care. Ask a clinician which option fits.
Where to get care in Hazard
Kentucky River Community Care (KRCC) is the community behavioral health provider for Perry and seven neighboring counties — Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, and Wolfe. Its Perry County services include outpatient substance use treatment, crisis services, and recovery support such as housing and peer mentoring. Crossroads Crisis Services is at 310 Roy Campbell Drive in Hazard.
KRCC's open-access model lets people walk in to an outpatient office for an initial visit rather than waiting on a referral — useful when you have decided to get help today.
Naloxone and harm reduction
Perry County's decline in overdose deaths happened alongside wider naloxone distribution, and naloxone remains the single most important thing to have on hand.
- Certified Kentucky pharmacies can dispense naloxone without a separate prescription under the state's standing physician protocol.
- KRCC provides naloxone and overdose education, and the state maintains a naloxone locator of participating pharmacies.
Naloxone cannot hurt someone who is not overdosing. If you are unsure, give it and call 911.
Paying for treatment
Kentucky Medicaid covers medically necessary treatment for opioid use disorder for eligible members, including medication and counseling. The state's Treatment Access Program also helps people without insurance enter residential treatment. If cost is the thing holding you back, say so when you call — there is usually a path.
How to start today
- If someone is unresponsive or breathing slowly, call 911 and give naloxone if you have it. For a crisis, call or text 988.
- Call or text (800) 653-9376 to talk through options with a treatment specialist — free and without obligation:
Calling is free; the referral service is paid for by treatment providers.
- Call KRCC and ask for a substance use assessment; walk in to the Hazard office if that is easier than calling.
- Ask about starting buprenorphine this week — many programs can begin treatment the same day.
Fentanyl use disorder is treatable, and Hazard has providers ready to start. The first call is the hardest part.
Emergency and crisis lines
Call 911 first if someone is unresponsive, breathing slowly, or turning blue. For a mental health or substance use crisis that is not a medical emergency, call or text 988, the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
This page is general health information, not medical advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by any facility named above.
Last updated: Mon Oct 19 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Frequently asked questions
How is Perry County doing on overdose deaths?
Better. The Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy's 2024 report counts 12 Perry County overdose deaths, down from 24 in 2023, and the county's age-adjusted rate fell from 93.3 to 43.6 per 100,000. The county's health district credits wider naloxone distribution for part of the drop.
What medications treat opioid use disorder?
The FDA has approved methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone for opioid use disorder. Per NIDA, people treated with methadone or buprenorphine are less likely to die or overdose than people who get no medication, and medication works best alongside counseling.
Where can I get treatment in Hazard?
Kentucky River Community Care (KRCC) is the community behavioral health provider for Perry and seven neighboring counties, with outpatient substance use treatment, crisis services, and recovery support. Its Crossroads Crisis Services is at 310 Roy Campbell Drive in Hazard. KRCC also provides naloxone and overdose education.
Where can I get naloxone in eastern Kentucky?
Certified Kentucky pharmacies can dispense naloxone without a separate prescription under the state's standing physician protocol. KRCC provides naloxone and overdose education, and the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy keeps a naloxone locator of participating pharmacies at FindNaloxoneNowKY.org.
Who do I call in an opioid emergency in Hazard?
If someone is unresponsive, breathing slowly, or turning blue, call 911 and give naloxone if you have it. For a mental health or substance use crisis that is not a medical emergency, call or text 988, or call or text (800) 653-9376.