Kentucky Equal Justice Center

Kentucky Equal Justice Center Kentucky Equal Justice Center (KEJC) is a non-profit poverty law advocacy and research center.

We serve the state’s non-profit legal services community and low income families. The mission of Kentucky Equal Justice Center is to promote equal justice for all residents of the Commonwealth by serving as an advocate for low income and other vulnerable members of society. Programs include:
Maxwell Street Legal Clinic
Health Law Team
Employment Law Launch
Poverty Law Task Forces
Monitoring and Advocacy

💔 After nearly 50 years of service, the Kentucky Equal Justice Center will close its doors at the end of July.We’re incr...
07/15/2025

💔 After nearly 50 years of service, the Kentucky Equal Justice Center will close its doors at the end of July.

We’re incredibly proud of the work we’ve done to promote justice for all—through legal services, advocacy, and partnerships across Kentucky. This decision was difficult, but it reflects today’s tough funding climate for nonprofit legal advocacy.

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of our journey. The fight for justice isn’t over—and our legacy lives on in the communities we’ve served.

This morning, July 1, Vice President J.D. Vance cast the tie-breaking vote to pass the U.S. Senate budget reconciliation...
07/01/2025

This morning, July 1, Vice President J.D. Vance cast the tie-breaking vote to pass the U.S. Senate budget reconciliation bill, which would take healthcare, food, and other benefits from families to only partially offset cruel immigration enforcement policies and tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the wealthy.

Now, we have a brief window of opportunity. However, the House will attempt to pass the bill as quickly as possible, and may bring it to the floor as soon as tomorrow morning. Putting pressure on your Representative is the best way to delay this vote and force changes.

NOW is the time to call your lawmakers at 202-224-3121 and tell them to vote NO on cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other critical programs that support low-income families.

💬 In her latest op‑ed for WinCity Voices, our Kentucky Food Action Network Coordinator Robin Kunkel issues an urgent cal...
06/27/2025

💬 In her latest op‑ed for WinCity Voices, our Kentucky Food Action Network Coordinator Robin Kunkel issues an urgent call to action: Congress must protect SNAP & Medicaid—or risk destabilizing Kentucky families, schools, hospitals, and local economies.

Cuts to these essential programs would mean less food, fewer healthcare resources, and stronger ripple effects across communities. Read more and learn how you can help ▶️ www.wincityvoices.org/a-call-to-action-save-snap-and-medicaid/

When Ivy was born at just 24 weeks, her parents Jasmine and Thomas knew their lives would revolve around keeping her saf...
06/03/2025

When Ivy was born at just 24 weeks, her parents Jasmine and Thomas knew their lives would revolve around keeping her safe, loved, and healthy. But what they didn’t expect was the maze of Medicaid rules and delays that nearly cost Ivy her access to life-sustaining care at home.

After months of confusion and fear, a single phone call with KEJC attorney Chloe Atwater changed everything. Chloe’s advocacy helped preserve Ivy’s Medicaid coverage—and gave the family the breathing room they so desperately needed.

Now Jasmine is sharing her story to push for a more compassionate, functional Medicaid system—one that works for all families.

Read their full story: https://www.kyequaljustice.org/post/fighting-for-ivy-how-legal-advocacy-helped-a-family-navigate-medicaid-challenges

05/30/2025

Pregnant and in recovery? You deserve support—not punishment.
In Kentucky and across the U.S., too many pregnant people are being shamed, denied care, or even threatened with child welfare involvement just for being on treatment like methadone or Suboxone.

Let’s be clear:
🔹 Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) is the standard of care during pregnancy.
🔹 It is not child abuse to stay on prescribed medication.
🔹 And no one—not a provider, judge, or social worker—can force you to taper off medication without risking your health and your baby’s.

If you’re pregnant and in treatment for SUD, you have rights under federal law and Kentucky policy.

You are taking steps to care for yourself and your child. That’s something to be supported—not punished.

👣 What you can do:
✅ Ask your provider to document that MOUD is part of your care.
✅ If someone threatens to involve CPS because of your treatment, ask for that in writing.
✅ Reach out to a legal aid organization like ours. We can help.

📹 Watch our short video to learn more about your rights—and share it to help others understand theirs.

You’re not alone. And you are not wrong for seeking care.

bit.ly/KEJC-SUD

05/29/2025

🚨 Denying medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to people with opioid use disorder in jail isn’t just dangerous — it can be deadly.

📈 Without MAT, the risk of overdose skyrockets after release. Access to treatment while incarcerated is a public health necessity and a legal right.

📞 If you or a loved one were denied MAT while incarcerated, contact KEJC. We can help.

05/27/2025

🚫 Denying care isn’t just unethical — it may also violate state and federal law. Everyone deserves dignity, safety, and evidence-based treatment.

📞 If you’ve been denied SUD care in a hospital, contact KEJC. We’re here to fight discrimination.

05/23/2025

Do you know someone who was denied methadone or Suboxone in jail or prison? That could be a violation of their civil rights.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a medical condition—not a moral failing. And under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people with SUD are protected from discrimination. That includes while they’re incarcerated.

Yet in many Kentucky jails, people are still being cut off from life-saving treatment. The result? Suffering, withdrawal, increased risk of overdose after release—and legal violations.

Here’s what you need to know:

✅ If you’re prescribed MOUD (like methadone, buprenorphine/Suboxone, or naltrexone), you have the right to continue that treatment while in custody.
✅ If you’re denied, ask for the decision in writing and document everything.
✅ You can—and should—contact legal aid or a civil rights attorney.

💡 Denial of MOUD is not just bad health policy. It’s a disability rights issue. And you don’t have to face it alone.

If you or someone you know has faced SUD-related discrimination while incarcerated in Kentucky, we’re here to help. Reach out. Get informed. Know your rights.

📲 Learn more on our website bit.ly/KEJC-SUD or send us a message.

05/22/2025

🚨 Denying access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in jails and prisons based on the false belief that it “substitutes one addiction for another” is dangerous — and discriminatory.

📊 Medical experts agree: MAT saves lives. Blocking access violates federal protections for people with substance use disorder (SUD).

📞 If you or a loved one has been denied MAT while incarcerated in Kentucky, contact KEJC. We may be able to help.

05/20/2025

🚫 Insurance companies in Kentucky can’t legally create extra hurdles for people seeking medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorder.

⚖️ State and federal parity laws require that SUD treatment is covered just like any other medical condition.

📞 If your insurer is making it harder to access the care you need, contact KEJC. We’re here to help fight SUD discrimination.

05/14/2025

💚 THANK YOU!

Because of you, we raised $4,300 to fight for justice in Kentucky. Your generosity shows that —and together, we can build a better future.

Address

201 W Short Street, Ste 310
Lexington, KY
40507

Telephone

+18592333057

Website

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