CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio — As Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge David Matia celebrates his 60th birthday Friday, he’s also giving back.
Judge Matia, who has worked in the drug court program since it began in 2009, has seen thousands of people turn their lives around.
So to mark his milestone birthday, he’s cycling more than 60 miles and visiting 10 treatment centers across the county to help raise awareness about recovery.
Judge Matia joined us live on the GO! morning show Friday ahead of his bike ride.
“What I really want to do is raise awareness for people who are suffering from substance-use disorder as to where to go when they’re ready to get healthy, ready to begin their recovery journey,” Judge Matia told 3News’ Danita Harris during a live interview. “We go to the ER when we’re having a heart attack, but when you’re opiate dependent, you don’t know where to go when you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired. So I’ll be visiting 10 places around the county that are great to get treatment at.”
His efforts are also being done to raise money for Project 180, a drug court alumni program.
“They build community,” Judge Matia said. “Early in recovery, people need to be shown that they can have fun, so Project 180 is made up of prior grads who put on events for people.”
If you’d like to help the cause, Judge Matia said donations can be made by clicking HERE. Just be sure to click the box that says "I would like my gift designated to a specific fund" and select "Project 180."