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Board hears that more than 80% of jail population takes psychiatric medication; votes to seek MHDS subsidy
Summary
Prison leadership reported that over 80% of the jail’s inmates are taking psychiatric medications; the board voted to open discussions with MHDS about potential subsidies to offset treatment costs and will report back at the next meeting.
Prison officials told the Lawrence County Prison Board that a large share of the facility’s population is receiving mental-health treatment. The board was presented with figures showing an average daily population of about 155 and that more than 80% of inmates were voluntarily prescribed psychiatric medication following assessment by the jail’s medical provider, Prime Care.
Board members discussed the fiscal implications of providing ongoing psychiatric treatment, including video-based psychiatric 'psych line' consultations and in-person medication management. The jail said it runs a weekly psychiatric video line and a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program supporting 17 inmates.
The chair asked the board to explore whether Mental Health and Developmental Services (MHDS) funds or other subsidies could help offset the county’s treatment costs. A motion to pursue discussions with MHDS and to schedule a follow-up meeting was moved, seconded and carried by roll call; the chair said he would schedule a meeting with the identified MHDS contact and report back at the next prison board meeting.
Next steps: The county will pursue conversations with MHDS and provide an update at the next scheduled prison board meeting.
