Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – May 2012 is National Drug Court Month.  On behalf of the Alachua County Drug Court, the Honorable Walter M. Green received a proclamation from the Board of County Commissioners during the Regular Meeting on April 24, 2012, for local recognition of this nationwide event.  He and the Honorable Martha Ann Lott preside over Alachua County’s Drug Court.

Judge Green commended the Commission for their continued vision and courage of funding the Drug Court Program, stating, "Drug Court is one of the most effective programs and successful programs in the court system today.”  Judge Green added, "Alachua County’s Drug Court is ranked among the best Drug Courts in the country.”

The Drug Court is celebrating this year’s national theme “Accountability through Compassion” with the recognition of many former program graduates at the May 11 Drug Court Hearing.  After the hearing, the Drug Court Team will host an Open House for elected and appointed officials.

“We often talk about success stories in the abstract,” stated Drug Court Supervisor Frank Owens.  “This is an opportunity for officials to meet and speak with current and former participants who achieve and live those stories.”

Nationally, more than 2,600 Drug Courts serve to reduce correctional costs, protect community safety, and improve public welfare.  To ensure accountability, participants are regularly and randomly tested for drug use, required to appear frequently in court, rewarded for progress, and sanctioned for not living up to their obligations.

Alachua County’s Drug Court program was established as one of the first Drug Courts in the nation and has served almost 2,500 participants in 19 years of operation.  The program is fully funded by the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners in partnership with the local criminal justice system and social service agencies.

For more information about Drug Court, contact Frank Owens at 352-384-3199 or fowens@alachuacounty.us.