April 6, 2011
Chief Justice O'Connor Speaks at Drug Abuse Summit
Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor recognized the difficult problem facing Ohio from increased drug addiction and crime fueled by the abuse of prescription opiates, and she pledged that the judicial system will play a leadership role in responding to the problem.
“It is clear that opiate addiction and the related crime that it brings are devastating whole communities in Ohio,” Chief Justice O’Connor said in a speech to nearly 1,000 people in Columbus at a prescription drug abuse summit of drug addiction, health care and criminal justice professionals. “I want you to know that the leaders in the Ohio judicial system recognize the severity of the problem, and we are committed to being part of the solution.”
Also speaking at the summit were Gov. John Kasich and former Ohio Attorney General Betty D. Montgomery, who Kasich has appointed as a special advisor to the governor on the opiate drug abuse epidemic.
Chief Justice O’Connor said Ohio’s drug courts are working to meet the challenge.
“Sometimes, repeated attempts at treatment don’t succeed, and it’s time for an offender to go to prison. But, it’s clear after more than 15 years in Ohio, that the drug court model does work and must be part of the solution to the opiate epidemic,” the Chief Justice said.
Since the establishment of the first Drug Court in Hamilton County in 1995, Ohio has been recognized as a national leader in the implementation of these innovative programs.
Today, there are more than 70 Drug Courts operating in every corner of the state – rural and urban areas, in municipal courts, juvenile courts, common pleas courts and even family courts.
Partners in Tuesday’s summit included the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, the Rehabilitative Services Commission (RSC), Ohio Department of Mental Health, and Ohio’s County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) Services Boards, and the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA).
Gov. Kasich announced new funding for the problem and the creation of Opiate Task Forces in 23 counties. Modeled after pilot Task Forces in Fairfield and Scioto Counties, the new Opiate Task Forces will benefit from a combination of organizations and resources marshaled to provide education and prevention to end the use of opiates as a drug of abuse.
If you or a loved one needs help, contact Ohio’s toll-free HELPLINE at 1.800.788.7254 or visit www.ada.ohio.gov to learn about local treatment options.
Contact: Chris Davey or Bret Crow at 614.387.9250.