PIKEVILLE – Even before all the photos were in place, visitors to the Pike County Judicial Center Thursday afternoon, October 9, were quick to point out familiar faces.

The more than 180 images on Operation UNITE’s Hope Wall are more than portraits of friends and loved ones; each picture represents a successful struggle over drug addiction.

“It’s important for those still in active addiction to see their stories and know that they can recover,” said Jennifer Looney, program supervisor for the Pike County Drug Court.

“Drugs touch every family. By just looking at these faces you won’t know the terrible, destructive path they have been through,” Looney added. “What is obvious is the joy and excitement that comes from living a drug-free life.”

Unveiled in August 2013, the 20-foot long wall features individuals who are now in recovery and living clean, sober lives. It demonstrates that substance abuse addiction has no boundaries, that all walks of life are affected.

The Hope Wall will remain on display in Pike County through Friday morning, October 24.

Providing inspiration and encouragement to seek help for an addiction, or for those currently in treatment or recovery, is the primary reason for the Hope Wall. The wall represents a tremendous success in the lives of those individuals who have been able to rebuild their families, their lives, and are now contributing to society.

“It is important that the public know about the positive results that are possible from Drug Courts and other rehabilitation programs supported by Operation UNITE,” said Vice-Chief Regional Circuit Judge Eddy Coleman. “It is important for those dealing with addiction – either themselves or within their family – know that they can change the direction of their life by seeking help.”

“A majority of the folks featured on the Hope Wall have received a UNITE Treatment Voucher to help them overcome their addiction,” noted Dan Smoot, UNITE president/CEO. “These are people who may have otherwise continued down a destructive path of drugs.”

More than 3,400 people – including nearly 200 Pike County residents – have entered a substance abuse treatment program using a UNITE voucher since the initiative began in 2005, Smoot said.

Treatment vouchers for short-term or long-term residential treatment are available to low-income residents of the 32 counties served by UNITE across southern and eastern Kentucky. For more information call UNITE’s Treatment Help-Line at 1-866-908-6483.

Anyone who has been in recovery for at least 18 months is eligible to be featured on the wall.