Monday, August 09, 2004

Mental health is a priority at Fayette jail (Kentucky)
Lexington Herald-Leader story - "Unlike small, rural jails that often can't afford the services of even one mental health worker, the Fayette County Detention Center has eight and plans to add one more. The on-site case workers and other professionals are employed through a contract with the Bluegrass Comprehensive Care Center. They conduct in-depth evaluations of people whose actions indicate possible mental health problems and recommend housing measures the jail should take. They, along with psychiatrists who spend a total of 20 hours a week at the facility, also help manage medications for and counsel people with mental illnesses..." See also, at the same source, Jail suicide prevention is spreading.