GASTONIA, NC – Yesterday, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) joined Gaston County law enforcement and public health officials to announce the creation of a new drug diversion and treatment program in Gaston County.
The new community initiative, which is piloted by Partners Behavioral Health Management, provides high-risk individuals addicted to opioids and facing criminal charges the opportunity to receive comprehensive, community-based treatment instead of a jail sentence. The program mission emphasizes rehabilitation and treatment over incarceration and helps participants become successful and productive citizens.
Senator Tillis was a co-sponsor of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, bipartisan legislation that was signed into law by President Obama earlier this year. The law provides local communities, including law enforcement, health care providers, and first responders with resources and support needed to confront the nation’s growing opioid epidemic. The law also addresses the strain the addiction crisis places on our criminal justice system by providing more resources to identify and treat incarcerated Americans.
“A brand new drug diversion treatment program has opened up in Gaston County. Along with Senator Thom Tillis, Gaston County Police Chief Joseph Ramey rolled out plans that will help high-risk individuals get comprehensive, community-based treatment instead of a prison sentence.”
“Senator Thom Tillis joined local officials for Monday’s announcement. He praised the group for assembling a powerful team with a strong plan of action, and he wants to help find money for a program that breaks people of addiction and turns them into contributing members of society.”
Tillis: “This is exactly the kind of program we envisioned when we supported the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. This is turning around the way that we look at rehabilitating people who go into the system.”
“Senator Tillis also announced that during the [Senate] session he wants to discuss sentencing reform at the federal level. He wants to take a look at crimes committed because of mental problems or drug addiction.”
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