Lexington Opens First Community Health Center for Underserved Residents Focused on Addiction Recovery

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The city has inaugurated its first community health center specifically designed to support underserved residents. The Isaiah House Community Health Center officially opened on Thursday, with U.S. Congressman Andy Barr and Mayor Linda Gorton leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Located at 535 West Second Street, the center aims to provide comprehensive healthcare services, focusing primarily on individuals recovering from drug addiction. The facility will offer a broad range of healthcare services, including mental health counseling, thereby addressing the multifaceted needs of its clients.

Registered nurse Trisha Goode, a former patient, shared her personal journey of recovery. “I went in for treatment on February 14 of 2021,” she recounted, reflecting on the day that changed her life. After battling an addiction to painkillers stemming from a back injury, Goode successfully completed the treatment program and regained her nursing license. “I’ve been working as a nurse for two years now,” she stated with pride.

Goode emphasized the holistic approach of the new center. “It is a game changer. We will treat the whole person; provide physical, mental, and medical needs. You can’t treat one part; you must treat it all,” she asserted.

The health center operates as a partnership between Isaiah House and Lexington’s Rescue Mission. In addition to counseling services, visitors will have access to a pharmacy, primary healthcare physicians, and dental services.

According to Nick Wren, CEO of Isaiah House, the center’s primary objective is to assist those wrestling with addiction while extending help to all individuals in need. “We are perfectly poised to do so,” he said, enhancing the center’s inclusive mission.

Congressman Barr remarked on the broader significance of the center, stating it’s more than just a medical facility. He emphasized the importance of providing a “path to hope and dignity” for those affected by addiction. Goode exemplifies this belief, underscoring that many struggling with addiction are fundamentally good people caught in circumstances beyond their control.

In a bid to further aid clients in their recovery journeys, Jubilee Jobs has also established itself within the center, providing additional support resources. The integrated model not only focuses on medical and psychological recovery but also aims to empower individuals towards achieving stable employment and reintegration into society.

The opening of the Isaiah House Community Health Center marks a significant milestone in addressing the complex and diverse needs of those recovering from addiction in Lexington.