Great News for Appalachia!
Announced on September 26, 2025, The Fletcher Group has been awarded over $9.2 million in federal funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission as part of ARC’s Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) program.
Together with partners, including the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, the Fletcher Group will use the funds to launch a new ‘Connect Appalachia’ project in support of individual long-term recovery together with regional workforce and economic development in Appalachian Kentucky.
Transforming Lives
“This project will help Kentuckians obtain meaningful employment and other support as they start and sustain their recovery,” said Fletcher Group Founder and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ernie Fletcher. “We look forward to partnering with the Kentucky Chamber Foundation and others to make a real difference in Appalachian communities.”
While noting a recent reduction in the number of overdose deaths—in both Kentucky and the nation at large—Fletcher emphasized how much more work is needed to reverse the tragic impact of substance use. “This is about transforming lives—and that’s never easy,” said Fletcher. “That’s why this generous Arise Grant from ARC is so important.”
The Challenge
America’s Substance Use Disorder crisis disproportionately impacts Appalachia, where in 2022 overdose-related mortality rates for people ages 25–54 was 64 percent higher than the rest of the country. Appalachians struggling with substance use disorder encounter additional barriers including transportation, housing, and access to care, education, and steady employment. These challenges make it even harder for those in recovery to connect with long-term recovery solutions and re-enter the workforce and community. A compromised workforce can also impede economic development.
The Grant
A total of $11 million has been awarded by ARC to support 32 projects that will support the SUD recovery-to-employment continuum in nine Appalachian states by training and certifying recovery specialists, establishing cross-sector partnerships, expanding peer support networks, and launching recovery-to-work programs featuring a full spectrum of coordinated support services.
“The Fletcher Group is doing great work to address the impacts of the substance abuse and opioid epidemic. This federal funding will allow them to build workforce pipelines between employers and treatment and recovery providers, helping individuals in recovery find and maintain meaningful employment.”
Mitch McConnell
Senior U.S. Senator from Kentucky *
“In order to have a healthy Appalachian economy, we must make sure we have a healthy Appalachian workforce.”
Gayle Manchin
ARC Federal Co-Chair
“Today’s announcement accelerates our work to help those in need, while also building fresh pathways to work, wages and wealth for all. This is good news for public health, good news for economic growth, and good news for mounting prosperity across the region.”
Wes Moore
Maryland Governor and ARC 2025 States’ Co-Chair
* To read further remarks by Senator McConnell in support of the ‘Connect Appalachia’ project, click Press Release.