Sheriff’s Department reports mental health crisis amid jail diversion program challenges

The Oversight Subcommittee on Public Health and Food Security convened on June 30, 2025, to discuss pressing issues surrounding mental health care and jail diversion programs in Michigan. A significant focus of the meeting was the challenges faced by the sheriff's department in addressing the mental health needs of incarcerated individuals.

The sheriff reported that since the launch of a jail diversion program in January, there have been 169 individuals currently incarcerated, with 38 diagnosed as severely and persistently mentally ill. Additionally, 85 individuals have co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. The program has resulted in 12 petitions for inpatient hospitalizations, but only 7 were successful, highlighting a critical shortage of available beds for high-acuity patients. This shortage has forced officers to spend extensive hours—over 197 hours of overtime—transporting individuals to facilities, often requiring long trips to downstate locations.

The sheriff emphasized the impact of these challenges on public safety and community health, noting that the lack of timely access to mental health care perpetuates a cycle of incarceration for those who need treatment rather than punishment. He urged the committee to increase the number of mental health beds in Northern Michigan, citing recent layoffs at Northern Lakes Community Mental Health as a further strain on resources.

The discussion also touched on the inadequacies of mental health care within the jail system, where individuals are not receiving optimal treatment due to the constraints of being in a secure facility. The sheriff pointed out that forensic evaluations are currently booked out for 5 to 6 months, delaying necessary assessments for individuals with significant mental health issues.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgent need for improved mental health services and resources in Michigan, particularly in Northern Michigan, to address the growing gap in care and ensure public safety. The sheriff's department remains committed to educating officers on mental health services, but without increased bed availability and resources, the cycle of incarceration for those with mental health needs is likely to continue.