'I'm going to help them': Franklin County judge improving lives afflicted by opioids

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — A court in Franklin County is taking an alternative to prosecuting those charged with felony drug charges by offering a therapeutic approach.

The HART program, which stands for "helping achieve recovery together," is run by Judge Jodi Thomas. In this court, the judge isn't sitting at the bench, she is actively engaging with participants to help them recover and live a better life.