|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Congressman Alan Mollohan Honored at Drug Court Graduation Chairman of House Appropriations Subcommittee overseeing drug court funding to receive the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) Congressional Leadership Award for continued support of life-saving drug treatment programs. Wellsburg, WV – Congressman Alan B. Mollohan (D-WV-1), the Chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, will receive the NADCP Congressional Leadership Award at the graduation ceremony of the Northern Panhandle Treatment Court on August 13, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. The Congressman has long been an ardent proponent of the drug court model as a means to treat the growing population of non-violent, substance-abusing offenders that cycle through the justice system and account for a majority of those incarcerated in our prisons nationwide. Most recently, Chairman Mollohan has overseen the restoration of federal funding for drug court in the Department of Justice (DOJ) Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program, following two years of crippling cuts. “Congressman Mollohan has shown great support for drug courts during his tenure in Congress,” said NADCP Chief Executive Officer West Huddleston. “As the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees drug court funding, the Congressman’s leadership to restore the program to the $40 million historical level represents an integral step in our efforts to take drug courts to scale. The tens of thousands of drug court professionals nationwide owe a deep debt of gratitude to Congressman Mollohan for his commitment to drug court.” Since the first drug court opened its doors in 1989, the field has grown to over 1,900 programs nationwide and boasts incredible results in reducing rates of recidivism for non-violent, substance-abusing offenders through an intensive regimen of court supervision and increased accountability. In February 2005, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) concluded after an extensive review that drug courts significantly improve substance-abuse treatment outcomes, substantially reduce crime, and produce greater cost-benefits than other justice strategies (GAO-05-219). The Northern Panhandle Treatment Court was the first drug court program to open its doors in West Virginia, with Judge Martin Gaughan sitting on the bench – since then, two more courts have been implemented with a number of programs in the planning stages. “The success of the Northern Panhandle Treatment Court is proof-positive what is possible when brilliant and dedicated professionals, like Judge Gaughan and his supporting team, come together to fight substance abuse and criminal recidivism and save lives otherwise lost to addiction,” reflected Mr. Huddleston. Judge Stephen Manley, who serves as the Legislative Chairman on the Board of Directors of the NADCP, will recognize the Congressman for his efforts on behalf of drug court in Congress. “We are at a critical juncture in the growth of the drug court field, as our sustained expansion hinges on the availability of federal funding for startup programs,” said Judge Manley. “The leadership that Congressman Mollohan has displayed on behalf of drug court deserves recognition and praise.” The graduation ceremony will take place Monday, August 13, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at the Brook County Courthouse and will be followed by a reception. About NADCP The National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) and the National Drug Court Institute (NDCI) are responsible for advocacy, training, research and scholarship on behalf of drug courts nationwide. With more than 1,900 drug courts nationwide, and 500 more in planning stages, drug courts have experienced phenomenal success and tremendous growth by reducing substance abuse, crime and recidivism. Since 1994, NADCP has represented over 20,000 judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, treatment providers and rehabilitation experts, law enforcement and corrections personnel, educators, researchers and community leaders. In February 2005, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report confirming that drug courts are an effective tool in reducing substance abuse and related crime. Last year, states reported nearly 20,000 graduates from drug courts nationally, and at least 840 drug-free babies were born to drug court clients. More than 70,000 individuals are currently being served by drug court programs. For more information, visit http://www.nadcp.org/. |