Lyn Noland, Margaret Brady, Judge Phillip Maxey, Brandy Briley, and Jack Arnold (Photo: Submitted)
The newly formed Cheatham County Recovery Court, spearheaded by local attorney Margaret Brady and treatment professional Brandy Briley, has been operating with limited resources and with a volunteer staff out of General Sessions court under Judge Phillip Maxey since June 2023.
“We all really believed in the need for these services from the beginning and were willing to see it through until we could secure funding,” said Briley of her team’s commitment to the success of the program.
With the support of Laura Durham, executive director, and the Cheatham County Community Enhancement Coalition, Briley and Brady applied for funding from the US Department of Health and Human Services, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Drug Courts grant.
Cheatham County Recovery Court was awarded $400,000 per year, renewable each year for five years for a total award of $2 million. These funds will allow the Recovery Court to increase the number of participants it serves fourfold, hire two full-time staff members, and add many needed services to the program including transportation, treatment, and staff trainings.
While in Cheatham County Recovery Court, non-violent offenders with substance driven crimes participate in a specialized court docket where they receive assessment and treatment while under close legal and clinical supervision. Participants receive recovery services and resources tailored to their individual needs empowering them to navigate life substance free, breaking the cycle of substance driven crimes, and restoring them to their families and communities. The program aims to protect public safety, improve public welfare, and reduce correctional costs.
“Nearly every single person in our community has been impacted by the opioid epidemic. We have lost friends and family members. Creation of a misdemeanor recovery court is an important step in turning the tide,” said Brady.
This announcement could not come at a better time, as the program sees its inaugural class graduate on December 2, 2024, at 4pm in the General Sessions courtroom in Ashland City. This event is open to the community. If you know of someone in need of treatment, you can reach out to the Recovery Court team by email at brandy.harter@cheathamcountytn.gov.
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