Congressman Henry Cuellar, (D-TX/28) presented a $974,997 federal grant to Webb County. In attendance at the check presentation was 406^th District Drug Court Judge Oscar J. Hale Jr.

“These funds will go directly towards Webb County’s 406^th District Veterans Drug Court and their efforts to provide enhanced treatment methods to psychologically and physically afflicted veterans,” said Congressman Cuellar. "Our veterans risked their lives to protect our freedom and many suffered injuries that will affect them and their families for the rest of their lives. With the Veterans Court we can help them heal and regain their health and independence. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Judge Oscar J. Hale Jr. and the 406^th District Court for their efforts in securing these funds in order to provide better health and social services to our local veterans.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will award an annual grant of $324,999, beginning 2014, to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) to expand their services and create a Veterans Drug Court (VADCP) for those veterans who have been arrested and have co-occurring psychiatric, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD).

“The 406th Drug Court Program was established in 2009 and we have already graduated over 75 participants,” said Judge Oscar J. Hale Jr. “We are proud to announce that the success of our program has allowed us to qualify for and to receive a new 3 year grant that will expand our treatment services to our combat veterans.”

The proposed Veterans’ Drug Court (VADCP) will objectively integrate their procedures with the Webb County Veteran Affairs (VA) clinic to offer medication management, psychiatric and social services.