County Seeks Enhanced Mental Health Services for Jail Inmates with Central Kansas Partnership

The Dickinson County Commission meeting held on July 3, 2025, focused primarily on mental health initiatives within the county jail and the potential expansion of parking facilities.

The meeting began with a discussion led by Jerry, who provided an overview of the collaboration between the county jail and Central Kansas Mental Health. He explained that inmates are screened upon entry through a questionnaire that assesses their mental health needs. If necessary, inmates are referred for further evaluation and counseling services. In the past month, two inmates received therapy, with one having 18 visits since October of the previous year. The cost for these services averages around $70 per visit.

Commissioners expressed a desire to enhance mental health awareness and support within the community, particularly for inmates transitioning back into society. Jerry highlighted the importance of establishing a facilitator role within the jail to help inmates continue their mental health treatment after release, aiming to reduce recidivism rates. The discussion also touched on the challenges of navigating privacy regulations, specifically the differences between the jail's policies and HIPAA requirements.

The conversation shifted to the need for improved community resources and collaboration with local organizations, including churches and the CARES Coalition, to better support individuals with mental health issues. The commissioners acknowledged the ongoing struggles faced by law enforcement when responding to mental health crises, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach to address these challenges.

Following the mental health discussion, the meeting addressed the proposal for a new parking lot at the county facility. An estimate of $214,760 was presented for the construction of 27 additional parking spaces. Some commissioners raised concerns about the cost and suggested utilizing an existing parking lot across the street to save taxpayer money. The idea of using gravel instead of concrete was also discussed, but it was noted that this could lead to maintenance issues.

Lastly, the need for an additional mechanic position within the public works department was proposed. The current staffing levels were deemed insufficient to meet the workload demands, and the commission agreed to begin advertising for this position.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the county's commitment to addressing mental health issues within the jail system and the importance of community collaboration. Additionally, the discussions on parking and staffing reflect ongoing efforts to improve county operations and services. Further meetings are planned to explore these initiatives in greater depth.