Fourth Judicial District Circuit Court Judge Duane Slone recently was presented the Tennessee Public Health Association’s Visionary Award for the Eastern Division of the State of Tennessee. Tennessee Commissioner of Health, Dr. John Dreyzehner presented the award to Judge Slone.
In addition to the judge's work in co-founding the 4th Judicial District Drug Recovery Court, Dr. Dreyzehener applauded Judge Slone’s leadership in the Criminal Justice system and general public in addressing the Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (Children born suffering withdraw symptoms due to the mother’s use of opiates during pregnancy) epidemic. Judge Slone also was lauded for his advocacy for ending legislation that had unintended negative consequences to addicted pregnant women and their children. The law provided for addicted mothers to receive jail time, resulting in addicted pregnant women not seeking pre-natal care.
Judge Slone told the audience that he was deeply humbled and honored to receive the award. The judge also said he was even more honored for the privilege of working with the people "that serve in the trenches" in the public health, general medical, mental health and addiction treatment areas, Slone said he was grateful to get to work with regional Department of Public Health officials as well as Jana Chambers and Sherry Montgomery of local county health departments who have been instrumental in the success of the Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome/Voluntary Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives initiative which has dramatically reduced the number of NAS births in the counties where it has been implemented.
Ms. Patty Williams, Director for 4th Judicial District Drug Court, said the citizens of the District are fortunate to have a judge who is dedicated to serving the people of his communities. Judge Slone has been instrumental in helping women involved in the court system reunite with their children and families as well as assisting them in becoming responsible, productive, and drug free individuals. He also was instrumental in helping to establish a transitional house for women, which gives priority to addicted pregnant females in an effort to promote women’s health and the birth of drug free babies.
