Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell made a stop in the commonwealth Thursday. He spoke at the Northern Kentucky Area Development District's annual meeting.
Much of his speech focused on why he should be re-elected this November, but he began by addressing the region's heroin epidemic.
"It's the scourge of our rather affluent society," says McConnell, "but I think continuing to double down and cooperate at all levels of government is absolutely essential."
McConnell says Northern Kentucky remains the epicenter of the epidemic.
Bill Mark with the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force agrees. He says heroin related court cases in Kenton, Boone and Campbell counties increased 750 percent from 2008 to 2013.
More stats:
- Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Jefferson, and Fayette Counties accounted for more than 75% of the heroin arrests in Kentucky in 2013.
- Boone, Kenton, and Campbell Counties had the highest rates of heroin overdose deaths in KY in 2012. (number of deaths per 100,000 residents)
- In 2012, there were 56 fatal heroin overdoses in these 3 counties; they accounted for 43% of all heroin-related overdose deaths in KY, even though we only have about 8.5% of the population.
Brent Spence Bridge
After speaking, McConnell briefly answered a few questions about the Brent Spence Bridge, saying there's still no movement.
"It's the biggest and most important construction project in the state not underway," he said.
When asked why the federal transportation bill (which could address the bridge) is being allowed to stall, McConnell pointed to the state capitol. "They've been snagged in Frankfurt as to how to meet the state part of it. We're going to keep on working on it and hope to come for a solution."
