MEDICAL COMMUNITY
THE HEALING PLACE Meets A Major Milestone
Aaron Burch
M
arch 26, 2019 was a great day for The Healing Place.
The nonprofit addiction residential clinic, which
serves hundreds each day, celebrated the grand
opening of their new expanded Men’s Campus.
Guests including Mayor Greg Fischer, Attorney
General Andy Beshear and John Tilley, Secretary of the Justice
and Public Safety Cabinet, joined a host of supporters, donors and
long-time volunteers.
The Healing Place (THP), whose clients maintain an impressive
75 percent success rate in fighting addiction upon completing the
program, has long needed more beds. Opiates, heroin and alcohol
(among other substances) have taken their toll on the Louisville
population. The Healing Place has been on the front lines of that fight
for almost 30 years, and never has its journey been more recognized.
THP President Karyn Hascal spoke first, welcoming everyone
to the momentous occasion. It was a celebration, but one rooted in
the knowledge that our community needs help. “In 2014, our beds
were full, and we recognized the need for more space,” Hascal said.
“I thought it would take a miracle to meet the dreams I had. Those
dreams came true but saying it’s a miracle really diminishes all the
hard work that made this dream a reality.”
Attorney General Beshear spoke next, emphasizing the toll that
the opioid epidemic has taken on the community. “Opioid abuse
kills 30 Kentuckians each week. The trauma of addiction impacts
families. It impacts entire communities,” he said. “But, the work
we’ve seen here at The Healing Place is helping people get better
and stay better. I’m honored to be here to support an amazing cause.
We need more people like Karyn Hascal and Jay Davidson and their
amazing staff - I know they don’t do it for the money.”
Longtime champion of The Healing Place Mayor Greg Fischer
was up next, and he mentioned a quote he’d heard which summed
up the power of THP’s work: “‘The Healing Place loved me, until I
learned to love myself.’ Isn’t that something?” he asked the crowd.
“At the end of the day, it comes down to people. We’re making
progress with each and every person who comes into The Healing
Place. Overdoses are down in our community, and I think that’s
due in part to the work done here.”
The grand opening had the feeling of a church congregation at
times. As speakers detailed the struggles and hard-won victories
over addiction, outspoken attendees could be heard saying words
of affirmation. There were more than a few “Amens” in the crowd.
If the day had a star, it was THP Founder Jay Davidson. For his
vision, he was praised by every other speaker that day and received a
standing ovation when he took the stage. Davidson kept his remarks
brief though, letting others do most of the talking.
“What a celebration of a vision that started back in 1989. I pinch
myself every time I walk on campus. Is this real?” With a look of
gratitude, he smiled big. “It’s really real.”
Men’s Program Director Steve Hanks and Rev. Craig Tuck con-
cluded the ceremony. Hanks, an alumnus of the program, talked
passionately about walking into The Healing Place as a client for
the first time and being shocked to learn that Jay Davidson knew
his name and cared about his struggle.
“Without The Healing Place, I might not still be here,” he said.
“It changed my life. It led me to Christ. With the help of Karyn and
Jay, I even met my wife. It’s truly changed me and gave me purpose
I didn’t know I was capable of.”
After a blessing and prayer for the staff and the clients who will
call the new building home, the event concluded. Guests were led
outside for the ceremonial ribbon cutting, and the festivities came
to an end. The work, however, will go on.
Aaron Burch is the GLMS Communications Specialist.
MAY 2019
7