Summit organizers will hold public meetings around the state to get input from community leaders. Lt. Governor Steve Pence will lead the initiative, with a 50-member team of state, federal and local officials.

People Advocating Recovery (PAR), a group associated with Louisville Demand Treatment!, also recently met with Lt. Gov. Pence to discuss reducing barriers to treatment and increasing access to care. PAR is a statewide advocacy organization of people in recovery, friends and family, and professionals working in the field.

PAR members said they plan to have a vocal presence at each one of the drug summit meetings. PAR supports a Kentucky House Bill, similar to a Florida law, that would permit family members or friends to obtain a court order to have an addicted person evaluated to determine the severity of the problem and plan specific interventions. Lt. Governor Pence said he voiced support the bill as well, stating that he would review it and examine Florida's experience.

During the meeting, Michael Barry presented the Healing Place Angel Program as it might apply to the criminal justice system. Others spoke about expanding drug courts, restoring the civil rights of convicted felons in recovery, and HB 220, which would provide Medicaid support for inpatient and outpatient treatment.

Later in the day, PAR met with Dr. James Holsinger, secretary of Health and Family Services, to obtain his support to expand appropriate treatment.

"Unfortunately, Dr. Holsinger made it clear to the group that there is no money for expanded anything in his budget," said Hugh Spalding, PAR chairman. "He agrees that expanding substance abuse treatment has merit, but not in these tight fiscal times."