Events & Awards
Mental Health and Criminal Justice Summit
The National Alliance on Mental Illness Indiana hosted its Mental Health and Criminal Justice Summit on March 6. Jennings County Judge Murielle Bright delivered the afternoon keynote address, titled “Perspectives from the Bench: Expanding Mental Health Continuums in Indiana.” OJA State Court Behavioral Health Administrator Brittany Kelly hosted a workshop on applying trauma-informed approaches in the criminal justice system and was a panelist in a breakout session addressing innovative solutions to Indiana’s competency crisis. Two judicial officers were honored at the Summit.
Judge McCord Honored
Henry County Judge David McCord is the recipient of the 2026 Legal Advocate for Mental Health Justice Award. This award recognizes a legal professional who has shown significant advocacy for progressive mental health practices in the criminal justice system. Judge McCord was honored for his commitment to improving the response to, and support of, people experiencing mental health and/or substance use crises.
Vigo County RISE Team Recognized
The Vigo County RISE (Reinvestment, Initiative, to Support, and Educate) team was recognized with the Cross-System Team Impact Award. Vigo County Judge Sarah Mullican, along with team members Larry Aynes, Jeremy Baker, Molly Collett, Dasha Donald, Sheriff Derek Fell, Shonna Frye, Ismene Kelley, and Virgil Macke, were honored for the unique partnership they established among the Health Department, courts, and Sheriff’s Department of Vigo County. This partnership provides near-immediate intervention for justice-involved individuals in need of mental health and/or substance use disorder support.
Appointments
Criminal Justice Institute Board of Trustees
Governor Mike Braun has reappointed Warren County Circuit Court Judge Hunter Reece to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Board of Trustees. The Institute is the state planning agency for criminal justice, juvenile justice, traffic safety, and victim services. Judge Reece was initially appointed in August 2025 to fill a vacant seat. With this reappointment, his term has been extended through December 31, 2029.