District Attorney Lawson receives Opioid Combatant Award

December 12, 2024
Smith County District Attorney Jason Lawson

District Attorney Jason Lawson has been recognized for his efforts in combating opioid addiction in the Fifteenth Judicial District. At the annual conference of the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) held in Murfreesboro, TN, General Lawson received award for his efforts in support of the Wilson County Preventing Incarceration in Communities (PIC) program, a Center wherein low-level first-time offenders suffering from drug addiction are paired with various drug rehabilitation specialists and treatment providers. In exchange for participation and graduation from the PIC Center, the misdemeanor drug offense is dismissed. These rehabilitative services are grant funded and are available at no cost to the patient.

The PIC program was the product of a partnership between DrugFree WilCo, Cedar Recovery Center, and Middle Tennessee State University wherein a multi-year federal grant was awarded for the purpose of combating opioid addiction in Wilson County. The partnership sought the assistance of General Lawson, who created the court component of program for the purpose of identifying persons in need of recovery services and incentivizing them to participate and complete the program. Since its inception, the PIC Center has seen graduates placed on a pathway to successful recovery and the prevention of repeat offenses.

Opioids are a class of drugs derived from the opium plant, and include both prescription drugs such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, and morphine as well as illicit drugs such as heroin and its synthetic fentanyl. This classification of drugs are particularly challenging due to the highly addictive properties and the strength of the addiction experienced by the users.

Lawson’s message implores those suffering from addiction to take advantage of the free help available.

“Accidental overdoses are a leading cause of death in every county in Tennessee. Drug court programs, PIC centers, and other programs help people break free of these addictions before it is too late. Help is out there, and it is free of charge. Don’t let your addiction take your life. Call the PIC Center today and schedule an appointment to begin recovery,” says Lawson.

The Wilson County PIC Center may be ‘reached by telephone call to 615-208-7795, and more information can be obtained at https://www.piccenterwilco.com/ or by internet search for ‘Wilson County PIC’.