BY THE GOVERNOR OF TH STATE OF GEORGIA 
 
A PROCLAMATION DRUG COURT MONTH 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the first drug court in the United States. Over the past quarter century, drug courts have served over 1.4 million individuals; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
Drug courts substantially reduce substance abuse and crime as well as significantly improve treatment outcomes. Additionally, drug courts perform this level of productivity at less expense than any other justice strategy; and 
 
WHEREAS: 
 
Drug courts facilitate community-wide partnerships, which bring together public safety and public health professionals in the fight against substance abuse and criminality; and 
 
WHEREAS: WHEREAS: 
 
Drug courts are now recognized as the most successful criminal justice intervention in our nation's history. These courts are the cornerstone of criminal justice reform occurring throughout our state and country; and 
I urge all Georgians to join with court systems and governmental agencies in  events designed to recognize and raise awareness of the significant contributions drug courts have made toward reducing substance abuse, crime, and recidivism; now 
 
THEREFORE: 
 
I, NATHAN DEAL, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim May 2014 as DRUG COURT MONTH in Georgia. 
 
In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed this 14th day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen. 
 
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GOVERNOR 
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CHIEF OF STAFF