NASHVILLE, Tn. (April 22, 2025) – Attorney General Russell Coleman delivered a keynote address at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit in Nashville today, highlighting Kentucky's new youth-focused prevention effort.
The Rx and Illicit Drug Summit, now in its 14th year, began under the leadership of Operation UNITE and U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY–05). The event draws thousands of attendees from all 50 states, including law enforcement, treatment professionals and policymakers to share strategies and best practices.
Kentucky's Congressmen James Comer (KY–01) and Brett Guthrie (KY–02) joined Congressman Rogers on for a panel discussion, moderated by Rogers’ Chief of Staff Karen Kelly. Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Lambert, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit Jackie Steele and Lieutenant Colonel Jonathon Wesely of the Kentucky National Guard also presented at the conference.
General Coleman spoke about Kentucky’s comprehensive response to the drug crisis, highlighting the new prevention effort focused on reaching Kentucky’s kids called “Better Without It.” Funded by the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, the two-year, $3.6 million program features college athletes and other influencers to show the young people of Kentucky they can live healthy and fulfilling lives without the influence of drugs. Those remarks are available here.
Earlier this year, General Coleman and Director of the Opioid Abatement Commission Chris Evans launched the initiative at an event with coaches from the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University. Through NIL agreements and other partnerships, student athletes, influencers and other stakeholders across Kentucky will promote a positive message about a drug-free lifestyle. To watch the announcement of the “Better Without It” campaign click here.
“Congressman Rogers has built a powerhouse event bringing together national leaders in prevention, treatment and enforcement. It was an honor to be able to participate and share Kentucky’s new ‘Better Without It’ initiative,” said Attorney General Coleman. “This message is going out to where young people are on social media, podcasts, and around college campuses. We’re able to speak directly to kids ages 13-26 in a way that the data says will actually break through the noise and have a lifesaving impact.”
Across the country, more than one million lives have been lost since the start of the drug epidemic. Thanks to opportunities like the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit, Kentucky and the Nation are better prepared to confront this epidemic head-on and deliver meaningful change for those affected.
A picture of Attorney General Coleman at the Rx and Illicit Drug Summit is available here.