Gov. Matt Bevin has started a new campaign to raise awareness of Kentucky’s opioid epidemic and his “Don’t Let Them Die” initiative.
His office has begun placing painted rocks around the state with messages on them, following the new trend of painted rock searches, a form of hide-and-go-seek, where volunteers paint and decorate rocks, then place them for others to find.
When one finds a painted rock, they can photograph themselves with it and then post the photo to their social media outlet of choice. Finders are encouraged to then hide the rock for others to find. The goal is not to find and keep the rocks, but to continue placing them for others to discover.
"Though this promotion is intended to be encouraging and fun, it seeks to raise awareness across the Commonwealth about a tragically serious epidemic," said Amanda Stamper, spokesperson for the governor. "Last year, 1,404 Kentuckians died as a result of an opioid overdose. Gov. Bevin is committed to providing the policies and resources necessary to ensure we eradicate this scourge."
The campaign will be promoted on Bevin’s social media pages, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The rocks, in addition to art, include a message of encouragement and hope, as well as “dontletthemdie.com,”a website that has information about opioids, treatment options and the antidote, Naloxone.
Rocks are initially being placed in the Frankfort, Louisville and Lexington areas, but plans are to have them in all 120 Kentucky counties within two weeks.
