Medina County recognizes National Treatment Court Month

MEDINA — Medina County treatment court participants were celebrated for their recovery and success in the program in recognition of National Treatment Court month on Wednesday at Memorial Park in Medina. In Medina County, Judge Bill Hutson has the Recovery Court and Judge Joyce Kimbler has the Mental Health Intervention program and the Medina Intervention Program, which is her drug court. "All I want to do is say thank you all for the hard work you do," Kimbler said. "The one thing that I do know is that it's not an easy path you have chosen, and each and every day, you make that decision to be true to your recovery. It is noticed, and it is appreciated." Medina County Prosecutor Forrest Thompson said the prosecutor's office strongly believes in treatment court programs because those in the criminal justice system realized they had to stop the cycle. "We had to break the chain of what was going on, which was to prosecute and incarcerate and then turn back into the community," he said. "Then, a year later, prosecute and incarcerate, because it was a vicious cycle. It didn't work, and we knew it didn't work." Treatment courts were created as an alternative, Thompson said. "The success of these programs is based on your success," he said. "That's what we're all here to do. All of the organizations that come together to facilitate these treatment programs, that's what they're all here for: your success." Medina Mayor Jim Shields said Hutson let him sit in on one of the treatment court sessions. He left the session thinking about the difficulties individuals have with transportation, food and employment on top of the other struggles they are going through. "I'm so thankful here in Medina County that we live in a community and county that looks out for one another, tries to help each other and tries to support each other," he said. "On behalf of the city, I will tell you that we will continue to help you in any way we can." To find local mental health and recovery resources, visit medinamentalhealth.com. "Keep up the good work," Shields said. "Take advantage of the resources we have here, so we can support you and help you get on the right path." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.