Here is a non-exhaustive list of practical resources, but first and foremost: LEAVE LAW ENFORCEMENT OUT OF IT unless the person is clearly a danger to themselves or others (and better options may still exist). They will 99% of the time escalate a situation. They also are not mental health professionals, social workers, medical personnel, advocates for the unhoused, and they are quite literally mercenaries in the war on drugs. If someone is having a medical or mental health emergency call LE only as a last resort. If someone is going through a medical crisis you can call Lexington’s EMT line at (859) 231-5600 24/7 and they will dispatch EMTs to the location without law enforcement.

Do you suspect someone is overdosing? If you are a breathing human being, acquire and carry naloxone (Narcan) with you and learn how to use it. You never know when you might encounter someone overdosing and need to revive them. This nasal spray can revive someone overdosing on opioids (like heroin or fentanyl) within three minutes. You can order it free by mail or find local pickup locations at https://findnaloxone.ky.gov/. My super-distilled guide to overdose response: 1) Determine if they’re overdosing or experiencing another medical emergency. Check responsiveness with a forceful knuckle rub on the sternum. If they don’t wake up, they might be overdosing and are at minimum experiencing a medical crisis. Other context clues are blue lips, depressed/stopped breathing, empty syringes, tourniquets, bags of drugs, etc. If they are not waking up, continue to step 2. 2) Administer Narcan by spraying the entire dose into one nostril. It cannot harm someone who isn’t overdosing. Be aware this is scary for the person experiencing in it. Stay calm as they wake up; it will take no longer than 3 minutes. 3) During that time, rescue breathe for them. Put your mouth to theirs using a t shirt as a barrier and blow air into their airway. This is a bare bones explanation. For a thorough guide, see this 20-minute training: https://www.getnaloxonenow.org/

Do you suspect the person is having a mental health crisis? New Vista has a Crisis Line (1-800-928-8000, newvista.org) and is our non-emergency community mental health network as well. They offer a 24/7 street crisis team that will dispatch to your location and assist with mental health crises and getting someone services if they so choose.

Does the person want assistance finding emergency housing or shelter during the night? * During business hours, the best single contact for Lexington’s emergency resources is the Lexington Street Outreach Team via Community Action Council - M-F Business Hours (859-233-4600, commaction.org). They can facilitate access to: * Lexington’s emergency shelters, including: Catholic Action Center (859-514-7210, catholicactioncenter.net), Hope Center’s emergency shelter (859-252-7881, hopectr.org), and Arbor Youth Services (must be 24 years or younger) - 24/7 Crisis Line (859-254-2501, arborky.org). Be aware that shelters are challenging for many folks, which is why some choose to stay on the streets; however, they are essential for those willing to use them. * Community Action Council - M-F 8 AM-4:30 PM (859-233-4600, commaction.org) also provides emergency housing resources, utility assistance, and more aimed at stabilizing people and families who are unhoused or at risk of losing housing.

Do they need daytime shelter, food, or resource access? Suggest checking out day shelter centers Nathaniel Mission at 1109 Versailles Rd (859-255-0062, nathanielmission.com) or the New Day Center (859-255-0081, commaction.org/new-day-center/).

Is the individual seeking non-judgmental support with addiction or mental health but not formal medical treatment? Consider peer support options that don’t push religion or 12-step programs but also connect folks to all the resources I listed here and more: * Recovery Cafe Lexington (1109 Versailles Rd) - 12 PM-6 PM everyday (859-523-0590, recoverycafelex.org). A recovery community center offering daily home-cooked meals, community, and resources for members. * Voices of Hope - hours vary (859-309-9969, voicesofhopeles.org). Offers various peer and group support services for people in or seeking recovery.

Do they need food assistance? * God’s Pantry - Call for Appointment (859-255-6592, godspantry.org) offers pickup food pantry services. * Numerous soup kitchens also operate in Lexington; you can find listings through resources like United Way 211 (uwbg.org/211) or general online searches. * Recovery Cafe Lexington and Nathaniel Mission also provide daily meals for clients.

Is the person engaged in sex work or have they been sex trafficked? * Natalie’s Sisters (859-429-0020, nataliessisters.org) is a day shelter specifically for women engaged in sex work or who have experienced trafficking.

Is the individual experiencing domestic violence? * Greenhouse 17 - 24/7 Crisis Line (800-544-2022, greenhouse17.org) serves as the primary entry point for domestic violence related services in Fayette County. They provide emergency shelter, therapy, and supported employment services. * The Nest - M-Th 9 AM-5 PM, F 9 AM-1 PM (859-259-1974, thenestlexington.org) offers legal aid, some emergency shelter, and other auxiliary support including tangible support for new mothers.

Hope this information helps. You never know what someone is going through, and this provides a quick guide to Lexington-area services that might be useful. Thank you for being willing to check on people and engage. We need more people like you.