Graham County Board ratifies renewal for jail alcohol-and-drug counseling services

The Graham County Board of Supervisors unanimously ratified an agreement renewing alcohol-and-drug counseling services between the Graham County Sheriff’s Office and McDonald Counseling Services during its Aug. 18 regular meeting. The contract renewal, presented by a sheriff’s department representative identified in the record as TJ, continues classes for inmates designed to support reentry and reduce recidivism. “The classes that McDonald puts on helps with recidivism in our community, and he really puts a lot of time into the inmates at the jail,” TJ said during the meeting. Why it matters: Supervisors praised the program’s impact on reentry and the jail population, and the renewal keeps in place counseling that staff and supervisors said complements GED and 12‑step programming already offered in the facility. Board discussion and vote: Supervisors indicated broad support. One supervisor said, “The reentry program has just exploded. I hear nothing good about it,” and another noted personal knowledge of Dr. McDonald and the difference he makes. A motion to ratify the agreement was made from the dais and seconded; the board voted “aye” and the motion passed. Implementation and context: TJ said the counseling sessions are scheduled on Thursdays and fit into the jail’s schedule alongside other classes; staff noted Mary Richardson’s work on reentry programming also helps meet needs. The sheriff’s office presented the renewal as a continuation of existing services rather than an expansion of hours or scope. Next steps: With county endorsement, the contract will continue to be executed through the sheriff’s office under existing scheduling. No changes to funding, term, or service hours were announced in the meeting.