5th Edition of Addiction World Conference 2026

Abstract

Aims: The present study represents a mixed-methods process evaluation of the Kentucky Access to Recovery (KATR) linkage-to-care program. KATR, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, (SAMHSA) through the Kentucky Overdose Response Effort (KORE) program, is a strategy implemented in 2019 across six regions in Kentucky that aims to link vulnerable populations, such as individuals who are veterans, pregnant or parenting, or justice-involved in early recovery with a substance use disorder (SUD) to self-selected recovery support services (RSS) in their community through vouchers.

 Methods: In this study, 171 KATR participants were followed at intake up to 12-months to assess their recovery journey, including substance use history, overdose history, and uptake of RSSs, and recovery capital. In addition, 55 semi-structured interviews were conducted with KATR participants, KATR programmatic staff and leadership, referral agencies, and providers providing RSSs in the local communities to KATR participants to exploring facilitators and barriers at all levels of the socioecological model. 

Results: Quantitative findings revealed that KATR participants most often self-selected RSSs related to transportation and recovery housing. Qualitative findings revealed facilitators related to client choice, remote aspects of the program, and KATR coordinator monthly-check-ins and barriers related KATR’s one-time use policy, lack of awareness of the KATR program and stigma attached to recovery.

 Conclusion: Findings from this study shed light on the need conduct process evaluation to help program staff and funders better understand how a program is being implemented and to provide crucial feedback for quality improvement at various levels.

CDC National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (6 R01CE003513-03-02); funder did not play a role in the study design; data collection, analysis, and reporting; or in writing the abstract.