Sarah Marshall, a graduate of CCHS, never expected a college class project to lead her to present drug prevention strategies at the state level. Studying psychology and criminal justice at Indiana University East in Richmond, Indiana, she is passionate about understanding addiction and its impact on the justice system. Now, she is at the forefront of an initiative to improve drug prevention and rehabilitation efforts in her community.
She presented her research at Regionals at the Rotunda at the Indiana Statehouse on March 26, among a select group of IU students chosen for the inaugural event.
The project began in her Addictions in Criminal Justice class, where her professor secured a grant to study drug prevention programs. Sarah researched Jay County while classmates examined Allen, Fayette, Henry, and Wayne counties, compiling their findings for Drug Free Wayne County.
Wayne County, where Sarah now works, has made significant strides in drug prevention, growing from an all-volunteer effort to a funded program offering rehabilitation housing, naloxone (Narcan) distribution, and various intervention programs. However, outreach remains a challenge, as many residents are unaware of available resources.
When Sarah and her peers presented their findings, they highlighted both successes and areas for improvement, emphasizing the need for stronger community engagement. Despite social media outreach, many residents remained uninformed. The project gained traction, leading to an invitation for Sarah to present at the state level.
“I was thrilled,” Sarah recalled. “Our goal is to inform state officials about the gaps in our system and advocate for structured services. People need accessible ways to contact these programs, and we need laws ensuring these resources are available to everyone.”
Sarah identified inconsistent funding as a major issue, with larger counties receiving more grants while smaller ones struggle. Insurance barriers further complicate access to addiction services, leaving many without the help they need.
Her work has given her firsthand insight into addiction and rehabilitation, attending expungement events, high school outreach programs, and community meetings. Watching her father serve as a probation officer has also deepened her understanding of the struggles people face in securing addiction services.
Aspiring to be a forensic psychologist, Sarah hopes to address the “revolving door” of incarceration, where individuals with addiction cycle in and out of prison due to a lack of support. “Some people need extra guidance to build a healthier life,” she said. “Many don’t have family or friends to support them, so they fall back into the same patterns. I want to help change that.”
As she prepared for her state-level presentation, Sarah remained hopeful that her advocacy will lead to lasting change. “If we want real change, we need to acknowledge these issues and take action,” she added.
(Photo Courtesy of Stephanie Marshall.)