May. 11, 2015
HARRISBURG – A resolution recognizing the month of May as “National Drug Court Month” in Pennsylvania today received unanimous support in the House of Representatives.
“Drug treatment courts are a growing judicial trend here in Pennsylvania and across the country because they are a proven solution to the substance abuse problem that plagues our communities,” said Toohil. “It is our hope that
House Resolution 313 raises public awareness of the significant contributions drug courts are making in the Commonwealth. They truly do save lives and families.”
Toohil noted that there are now nearly 2,900 drug treatment courts across the country with programs operating in every state, making them one of the cornerstones of criminal justice reform.
Since the first drug treatment court began operation 26 year ago in Miami-Dade County, Florida, more than 1.4 million defendants have been served. They have led to significant reductions in recidivism rates by as much as 50 to 70 percent in some states.
“Unfortunately, drug treatment courts only serve a fraction of the estimated 1.2 million drug addicts currently involved in the justice system,” Toohil added. “To truly break the cycle of drugs and crime, the time has come to put a drug court within reach of every person who needs one.”
Toohil’s guests in the House gallery were representatives from the Pennsylvania Association of Drug Court Professionals (PADCP), including Luzerne County Assistant District Attorney James McMonagle, PADCP president.
For more information on Toohil and her legislative priorities, please visit
RepToohil.com or
Facebook.com/RepToohil.
Representative Tarah Toohil
116th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Contact: Rep. Toohil’s Office
717.260.6136