Kentwood City Commission approved $35,000 in funding from the Purdue Pharma opioid settlement to support counseling services at the 62-B District Court, a move aimed at helping people struggling with addiction as they transition out of jail.
Judge Amanda Sterkenburg has witnessed firsthand the challenges facing people with opioid addiction who come through her courtroom. The funding will help address a critical gap in services during one of the most vulnerable periods for those in recovery.
“If you, especially have just come out of jail, you may not have everything in place. You’re looking for a job, it’s very stressful,” Sterkenburg said. “If you were a drug user who then was incarcerated for a while, your tolerance is down.”…