Vancouver, Wash. – May is National Drug Court Month, and drug court graduate Marisa Neth exemplifies what success in the program looks like. In her role as recovery support specialist in Superior Court, she provides an example of that success to drug court participants every day.

Marisa graduated from Clark County Drug Court in fall of 2003. She has come full circle and now works alongside Superior Court Judge James E. Rulli, the judge who helped her through the drug court program almost 15 years ago.

“National Drug Court Month is a time for me and other court graduates to remember the vital influence this program had on our lives,” said Marisa.

Therapeutic Specialty Courts have been in existence in Clark County for 19 years, and have played an important role improving substance abuse treatment outcomes and reducing recidivism. In addition to courts specializing in substance abuse, Clark County Therapeutic Courts include mental health, veterans, family treatment and juvenile recovery.

One of the goals of drug court is to reduce costs within the county’s criminal justice system.

“The community benefits when a person rises above drugs and related crime,” said Judge Rulli. “Drug Courts save up to $27 for every $1 invested and up to $13,000 for every individual served.”

During National Drug Court Month, Clark County Therapeutic Courts are giving back to the community with a food drive benefitting the Clark County Food Bank.

“Our goal is to donate 500 pounds of food to the Food Bank,” said Marisa. “We encourage community members to join us and donate non-perishable food items by Saturday, May 19.”

Drop off locations include the Center for Community Health second-floor lobby, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Clark County Public Service Center lobby, 1300 Franklin St. and all Clark County Les Schwab Tire Center locations.

CONTACT
Shauna McCloskey
Superior Court
360.397.2304
shauna.mccloskey@clark.wa.gov