Local resident celebrates long term sobriety milestone

VW independent staff/submitted information

Westwood Behavioral Health Center has announced that Jamie Fields recently achieved a highly regarded milestone in her journey toward long term sobriety.

After three years of living substance free, Jamie graduated from Recovery Court. “A New Day, the Right Way” is a program for adults who struggle with addiction and subsequent legal problems. A joint collaboration between Westwood Behavioral Health Center and the Van Wert Court of Common Pleas, the program is overseen by Judge Martin D. Burchfield.

County residents who are facing legal charges which are a byproduct of their substance use disorder may be referred to the program. Entry into the 18-24 month program is preceded by an eligibility interview with drug court coordinator Jane Schmid of Westwood Behavioral Health Center.

The four-phase program requires regular drug screening, appearances before the judge at least monthly, and participation in an intensive outpatient treatment program, followed by traditional outpatient therapy services.

Participants also attend weekly peer support meetings. The goal of the program is to provide intense support and accountability for adults who commit to living a substance-free life, maintaining employment and independent housing.

The program was created in 2014 under the Honorable Charles Steele, together with Chief Probation Officer Bruce Showalter. The program was certified in 2017 by the Ohio Supreme Court. Recertification is required every three years.

Treatment services for recovery court clients are provided by Westwood Behavioral Health Center which supports wellness through confidential and compassionate care. They offer mental health and addiction services, individual group and family therapy, IOP, psychiatric and psychiatric NP, on site pharmacy, case management and drug testing.