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Judge announces two-year drug court for Appling County, aims to use grants and opioid-settlement funds
Summary
Judge Stephen D. Kelley told commissioners that a two-year intensive drug court program will be offered in Appling County at Pineland Health, funded by grants and potentially National Opioid Settlement funds; participants will pay $100 per month and must meet employment and testing conditions.
Hon. Stephen D. Kelley told the Appling County Board on Sept. 9 that a two-year intensive drug court will be offered locally at the Pineland Health facility, with the goal of rehabilitating high-risk users as an alternative to incarceration.
Judge Kelley said the program requires participants to pay $100 per month, secure employment and submit to routine drug tests. He said grant funding and money from the National Opioid Settlement have been secured to offer services in Appling County; Sheriff Mark Melton and Nurse Practitioner Knicole Lee have collaborated on planning. Kelley noted that prior to local availability the closest program was in Wayne County and transportation barriers prevented some prospective participants from attending.
Minutes record the program description as a presentation rather than a board action; fees collected are to be paid to the Clerk of Court and must be used for the drug court program. The presentation indicated Hazlehurst residents will be eligible to participate.
No formal vote or funding appropriation was recorded in the minutes during the Sept. 9 meeting; county staff and partners will proceed with program implementation according to grant terms.
