Lancaster County OKs $360,000 study of jail medical and behavioral-health capacity

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners voted May 19 to authorize a professional services agreement with HDR Architecture for a medical and behavioral-health needs assessment of the county adult detention facility, with a not-to-exceed cost corrected in session to $360,000.

Brad Johnson, director of the Lancaster County Department of Corrections, told commissioners that the jail population and the number of individuals with significant medical and mental-health needs have increased over the past three to four years and that the facility — last designed around 2000 — lacks sufficient infirmary and behavioral-health housing. He said the assessment will review current facility design and operations, evaluate projected trends and identify a combination of operational, programmatic and possible remodeling or repurposing options to better serve vulnerable populations.

Commissioners pressed for the scope and timeline. Johnson said the agreement is for 12 months and that he expects a thorough review; while he hoped for a nine- to ten-month turnaround, he told the board a full 12 months is likely before a solid report is ready. He said the study could recommend operational changes, program adjustments or some remodeling to increase capacity for medical and behavioral-health needs.

The board moved and carried the motion to approve the agreement by roll-call vote. Commissioners emphasized the county’s interest in moving people to the most therapeutic environment possible while acknowledging that many in the jail system presently need services, and that staff are working under stress to meet those needs.

The study’s findings are expected to guide future decisions about facility renovations, repurposing housing areas and programmatic shifts; the county will decide subsequent steps after receiving HDR’s recommendations.