Press Releases

Scranton, PA – U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) today announced that the Lackawanna County Treatment Court will receive $1,999,975 over a five year period from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to expand substance abuse treatment capacity. The first disbursement the court will receive is $399,995. Lackawanna County Treatment Court was once recognized as one of the top 25 in the country under the direction of Judge Michael Barrasse.

“Treatment courts offer rehabilitation and compassion, and the hard work of the program participants and dedication of the mentors yield real results. They are proven to be both effective at reducing people’s chance of sliding back into addiction, and cost-efficient,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “By investing in treatment courts as lifesaving methods of addressing addiction, we are able to support our fellow citizens on the road to recovery without resorting to incarceration.”

“The SAMHSA grant award is great news for Lackawanna County. The Treatment Courts have long been the crown jewels for Judge Barrasse, our legal system and law enforcement,” said Commissioner Jerry Notarianni, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. “This is another means to help people clean-up their lives and get back on the road for both recovery and being an example to others in society.”

“I am thankful for the continued support from Congressman Cartwright and the Lackawanna County Commissioners,” said Michael J. Barrasse, President Judge, Lackawanna County. “The recognition and financial support from SAMHSA will allow us to help individuals who suffer from substance abuse and mental health issues get the treatment and support they need. Lackawanna County is proud to exemplify how evidence-based treatment and an individual's commitment to recovery can bring life-altering changes to families and the community. We celebrate a recovery community that restores families and makes Lackawanna County a better place to live.”

A branch of the Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA leads the public health effort to promote the behavioral health of the nation. Grant programs like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance provide funding to organizations to support community-based substance abuse treatment and recovery services by improving access, reducing barriers and promoting high quality, effective treatment and recovery services.