06/01/2026
In recognition of National Treatment Court Month, the Dallas County 530 Sub-Committee proudly hosted a special celebration on May 29, 2026, at the Frank Crowley Court Building. The event brought together judges, treatment court professionals, community partners, behavioral health providers, and criminal justice stakeholders to recognize the transformative impact of treatment courts throughout Dallas County.
The celebration highlighted the vital role treatment courts play in promoting recovery, reducing recidivism, strengthening families, and improving public safety through evidence-based practices and collaborative approaches. Attendees were welcomed by Mistress of Ceremony, Michaela Himes, of the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office, who emphasized the importance of partnership and the life-changing opportunities treatment courts provide to participants.
A featured highlight of the program was a heartfelt presentation by Teena Johnson, who shared the story of her son, Cullen Ashford Logan—a gifted engineer, musician, and compassionate individual who struggled with anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder. Through Cullen's journey and untimely passing in 2021, Teena emphasized the importance of treating addiction as a chronic health condition and highlighted the critical need for accessible treatment, recovery support services, medication-assisted treatment, and diversion opportunities. Her powerful message served as a reminder that treatment courts save lives by providing hope, support, and pathways to recovery for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorders.
The event also included an educational presentation by Dr. Nwanne Onumah of Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS), who provided valuable insight into current drug trends affecting Dallas County. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions regarding emerging substances, prevention strategies, and the importance of evidence-based interventions to address evolving community needs.
A special recognition ceremony honored judicial leaders whose dedication and service have significantly contributed to the success of treatment courts in Dallas County. Honorees included Judge Kristen Wade for her leadership and service to the Mental Health Jail Diversion (MHJD) Court and SET Court; Judge Holmes for her service to the Felony DWI Court; Judge Ernest White for his commitment to the Intensive Intervention Program (IIP) Court; Judge Hector Garza for seven years of dedicated service to the DIVERT Court; and Judge John Creuzot for his innovative leadership in advancing treatment courts, criminal justice reform, and evidence-based sentencing practices.
The celebration reflected the National Treatment Court Month theme of recovery, accountability, and community collaboration. Dallas County remains committed to supporting treatment court programs that provide individuals with pathways to recovery while improving outcomes for participants, families, and the community as a whole.
Through the collective efforts of judges, court teams, treatment providers, supervision officers, attorneys, and community partners, treatment courts continue to transform lives and demonstrate that recovery is possible.
