Henderson County Recovery Court celebrates Frist Graduate, Signaling Success of Opioid Settlement-Funded Program
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. – Henderson County’s Recovery Court program has achieved a important milestone with its first graduate, marking a positive step in addressing the region’s substance use challenges. The program, funded by $17 million from a state lawsuit settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors, offers a diversion program for individuals seeking recovery from addiction.
The program’s benefits extend beyond the individual participants, positively impacting the community, according to program officials. “Those folks that ordinarily would be cycling in and out of jails and prisons are actually working, paying taxes, paying child support, paying restitution fees, no longer (Department of Social Services)-involved, because they’re getting their kids back,” said grabowski, a program representative. She also highlighted the ripple effect of recovery,noting that it often extends to spouses and family members.
The Recovery Court also represents a financial benefit to the state by reducing the costs associated with incarceration. Henderson County was the first in North Carolina to utilize opioid settlement funds to establish a recovery court.
“In a county this size, to have an adult recovery court, and to have one that’s doing such great work, is really extraordinary,” Grabowski told the Times-News in october.
Officials are optimistic about the program’s long-term success, with the next graduation tentatively scheduled for January. While acknowledging the challenges participants may face after completing the structured program, Conway expressed confidence in their ability to maintain recovery, noting that support remains available.
Individuals interested in accessing behavioral health resources in Henderson County are encouraged to contact the county behavioral health office: https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/health/page/behavioral-health-resources.