Maryland's First Lady to Address Graduates
of Prince George's County Drug Treatment Court Program

(UPPER MARLBORO, MD — September 26, 2005) Prince George's County Circuit Court will host a ceremony for graduates of the Adult Drug Treatment Court program at 9 a.m. Thursday, September 29, in the Circuit Courthouse on Main Street in Upper Marlboro. First Lady of the State of Maryland, Kendel S. Ehrlich, will deliver the keynote address to the graduates, who recently completed the drug treatment program and are now drug-free.

“The Prince George’s County Circuit Court’s Adult Drug Court Program is extremely pleased to have the state’s First Lady Kendel Erhlich as the graduation speaker,” said Prince George’s County Circuit Administrative Judge William D. Missouri, who also serves as chair of the Conference of Circuit Judges. “By her presence in the county, Mrs. Erhlich, an attorney, demonstrates a commitment to treatment for persons addicted to various substances. She, along with the Governor, is dedicated to expanding treatment as a viable means of addressing the high incident of substance abuse and addiction among members of our community. Maryland is indeed fortunate to have a First Lady and Governor who understand that there is an alternative to jail for a significant number of addicted individuals.”

Prince George’s County’s program provides intensive treatment, supervision, and comprehensive judicial monitoring to habitual offenders whose crimes are addiction-driven.

Since the state's first drug treatment court was established in Baltimore City in 1994, 23 other drug treatment courts have been formed in Maryland. Twelve more are in the planning stages around the state.

Drug treatment courts incorporate varying levels of treatment as well as vocational, educational, and life skills training and other services to address issues that contribute to drug abuse and criminal behavior.

The Circuit Court for Prince George's County is located at 14735 Main St. in Upper Marlboro. Members of the media are invited to attend, but cameras will only be permitted at certain points in the program and with prior approval. Please contact the Court Information Office at 410-260-1488 for prior approval.

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