Governor Matt Bevin’s office began a mission to raise awareness for Kentucky’s opioid epidemic and the “Don’t Let Them Die,” (DLTD) initiative, through painted rocks at the beginning of this month. 

“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, Director of Communications in a press release. “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.” 

Painted rock searches, a form of hide-and-go-seek, is a new, wildly popular trend which involves volunteers painting rocks and placing them for others to find. When a rock has been found, those who discovered it can photograph themselves with it and post the photo on a social media outlet. Finders are encouraged to then hide the rock for others to find. 

One rock with the message of hope was recently found on the stairs leading up to the Jessamine County Courthouse. 

The DLTD painted rock campaign will be promoted on the Governor’s social media pages, including his new Instagram account. In addition to decorative art, the rocks will include a brief message of encouragement and hope, as well as the URL DontLetThemDie.com, a website which provides information about opioids, treatment options, and the overdose antidote, naloxone.  

The “Don’t Let Them Die” theme encourages Kentuckians to recognize the inherent value of human life – even in the grip of addiction – and take proactive steps to support their friends, family and communities as they overcome this crisis. Kentuckians can help spread the word by painting and hiding their own rocks with DontLetThemDie.com painted on the back and sharing on social media using hashtag #DLTD.