County approves psychotropic drug reimbursement agreement and issues RFP for inmate medical services

The Delaware County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 25-706 to accept a psychotropic drug reimbursement program funding agreement for fiscal year 2026 and authorized staff to issue a request for proposals for inmate medical services (Resolution 25-707). Cassie Neff of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office told the board the drug reimbursement program is part of Stepping Up Ohio and helps counties cover the costs of mental health and addiction medications for inmates in jails and community-based correctional facilities. “While it doesn't cover 100% of the cost, the reimbursement is based on each jail's share of the total amount requested across all participating facilities,” Neff said. She said without the program the county would have to cover the full cost of medications. The agreement’s funding is administered by Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services and processed through the Delaware-Morrow Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, the board was told. The commissioners voted to approve the funding agreement and then approved issuing the competitive RFP for inmate health services. Assistant Jail Director Jesse Jackson said the county has used contracted inmate health services for about 15 to 18 years and also maintains a separate memorandum of understanding with Maryhaven for mental health services. Jackson was joined at the meeting by Chief Morgan, Director Michael Rorrig and Assistant Jail Director Jesse Jackson, who attended on behalf of the sheriff’s office. Both resolutions passed by unanimous voice vote; no amendments or changes to county policy were made at the meeting. The RFP signals the county will seek competitive bids for the contractor that provides medical and health services to inmates at the Delaware County Jail.