Pike County Drug Court returns to serve community through treatment, accountability, and recovery
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Members of the new, refresh on a drug court in Pike County team are, left to right, Donna Dunn, Clarity Healthcare; Rick Zimmerman, public defender; Honorable Judge Zachary Boren; Brittany Taylor, drug court coordinator; Crystal Miller, drug court clerk; Walker Filbert, states attorney; Dryden Craven, chief probation officer. (Submitted photo)
By BETH ZUMWALT
Pike County is celebrating the successful reestablishment of Pike County Drug Court, a milestone that reflects the community’s commitment to addressing substance use disorders through treatment, accountability, and rehabilitation.
Pike County previously operated a successful Drug Court after being selected as a pilot site in 2003. The program concluded in 2017 following the loss of a local treatment provider. In the years that followed, justice system professionals continued to witness the significant impact of substance use disorders on individuals and families throughout the county, as well as the challenges created by limited access to treatment services in rural communities.
Recognizing the need for a sustainable solution, local stakeholders worked collaboratively to rebuild the program. Their efforts resulted in Pike County Drug Court receiving conditional certification from the State of Illinois on September 25, 2025, followed by full certification on June 10, 2026.
A key component of the program’s success has been a partnership with Clarity Healthcare, which established a local Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program within Pike County. This partnership has expanded access to evidence-based treatment services and strengthened the county’s ability to support individuals on their path to recovery.
The reestablishment of Drug Court was made possible through the collaboration of numerous community partners, including law enforcement, the judiciary, the State’s Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, probation staff, and treatment providers. Together, these stakeholders developed policies and procedures, coordinated training efforts, and built a multidisciplinary team dedicated to implementing nationally recognized best practices.
“My thanks to all of the Drug Court team, who have worked hard for over a year now to make this happen,” Judge Zachary Boren, said, who presides over Pike County Drug Court. “Since our conditional certification last year, we have already seen meaningful changes in the lives of our participants. I look forward to continuing to assist Pike County’s citizens in achieving lasting rehabilitation.”
Brittany Taylor, Pike County Probation Officer and Drug Court Coordinator, emphasized the dedication of the team and the importance of providing hope to participants seeking recovery.
“Our team has hit the ground running to provide the best possible support to our current participants,” Taylor said. “I am proud of the dedication shown by our team to make Drug Court a beacon of hope and a reminder that recovery is, in fact, possible.”
The return of Pike County Drug Court represents more than the relaunch of a program. It reflects the power of collaboration, leadership, and a shared belief that individuals can overcome substance use disorders when provided with the appropriate support, treatment, and accountability. As the program moves forward, Pike County remains committed to helping participants build healthier, more productive lives while enhancing public safety and strengthening the community as a whole.
The success of Pike County Drug Court depends not only on the efforts of the Drug Court team but also on the support of the community. As the program continues to grow, Pike County Drug Court invites local businesses, civic organizations, faith communities, and community leaders to join in its mission of creating opportunities for lasting recovery. Through partnerships, employment opportunities, mentorship, sponsorships, and other forms of support, community members can play a direct role in helping participants rebuild their lives and become productive members of society. Together, we can strengthen the foundation of recovery for current participants and future generations.
For additional information about Pike County Drug Court, please contact:
Brittany Taylor
Drug Court Coordinator
Pike County Probation
Department
217-285-2041
[email protected]
