(Cleveland, Ohio) – The Greater Cleveland Drug Court and the Cleveland Department of Public Health are joining together for “Pathways to Wellness” a Health and Education Fair that will be held in conjunction with a cross-country Drug Court tour that stops in Cleveland Thursday, May 23rd at the Justice Center.
Contact: Ed "Flash" Ferenc, Public Information Officer
Cleveland Municipal Court
216-664-6787 216-857-7420
ference@cmcoh.org
(Cleveland, Ohio) – The Greater Cleveland Drug Court and the Cleveland Department of Public Health are joining together for “Pathways to Wellness” a Health and Education Fair that will be held in conjunction with a cross-country Drug Court tour that stops in Cleveland Thursday, May 23rd at the Justice Center.
The All Rise America! On the Road for Recovery Tour kicked off in late April in California and is visiting 26 communities in 13 states that have transformed their criminal justice system through Drug Courts. Almost 1300 people have graduated from The Greater Cleveland Drug Court Program since it began in 1998.
Just last month the Cleveland Municipal Court teamed up with the Cleveland Department of Public Health in an effort to help individuals with alcohol and substance abuse problems obtain access to comprehensive health care and recovery support services, which in turn increases their chances of achieving sobriety. That collaboration led to the creation of the Health and Education Fair, which will be open to the general public from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Justice Center Lobby. The All Rise America! On the Road for Recovery Tour is traveling in a recreational vehicle that will be parked along Lakeside Ave.
“We have saved lives and brought families together. Now let’s make everyone healthier,” said Judge Anita Laster Mays, who has overseen the Greater Cleveland Drug Court since 2009.
The event will be staffed by the Drug Court Team and employees of the Cleveland Department of Public Health, including Director Karen Butler. Individuals will be able to get a free health screening, including an eye and dental exam.
“Even Zumba demonstrations will be given by certified instructors to show the importance of fitness,” she added.
Judge Mays is looking forward to sharing her success stories with national leaders on this issue, with the hope of creating more drug courts in the country.
“Now more than ever, policymakers are looking for evidence-based solutions to the expensive problem of drug abuse and related crime,” said West Huddleston, National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) CEO. NADCP representatives will spend the morning visiting the Greater Cleveland Drug Court, The Veterans Treatment Docket, the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Drug Court and the Mental Health Docket
Over the last two decades, Drug Courts have emerged as the nation’s most successful and cost-effective program for getting addicted people into long-term recovery. Today, 2,700 Drug Courts refer more people to treatment than any other system in America and are revolutionizing the nation’s approach to drug abuse and crime.
Christopher Deutsch, Director of Communications for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) holding the “All Rise” Gavel in a salute to the Greater Cleveland Drug Court. Judge Anita Laster Mays is holding a plaque from the NADCP for her outstanding contributions in their field.