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NATCHEZ — Judges Debra Blackwell and Carmen Drake are continuing a tradition begun by former Sixth District Circuit Court Judge Lillie Blackmon in 2004 and will hold drug intervention court graduation ceremonies for five participants who have successfully completed the program.

The ceremony is set for Aug. 19 at 1 p.m. at The Event at Gayosa, 410 Gayosa Ave.

Blackwell and Drake have jointly presided over drug court since January 2023.

“Five participants will receive their certificates in the presence of family, friends and members of the community,” Blackwell said.

The featured graduation speaker will be prominent Adams County businessman Doug Jordan of Jordan Carriers, the largest private employer in Natchez.

“Jordan will share how he and his brother have made Jordan Carriers the great success that it is and inspire our participants to work hard to be successful in their future endeavors,” Blackwell said.

Other speakers will include Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten, who, along with River Ridge Treatment Center, “has been instrumental in assisting the court in its efforts to reduce the number of mental health patients being held in the county jail,” she said.

Also featured will be past drug court graduates who will enlighten the new graduates on “life after drug court” and share the ways that drug court has helped them to make better life choices,” Blackwell said.

“Last but not least, the Sixth Judicial District is honored to have been selected as one of three districts designated to start the first official Mental Health Treatment Court in the State of Mississippi,” she said.

“The Court launched its pilot program in August 2023 and has had great success connecting participants to services and providing judicial oversight to encourage compliance,” Blackwell said. “This level of supervision has provided opportunities for defendants suffering with mental health conditions to receive the treatment they need and thrive in their communities.”