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Warden reports full staffing, new programs and potential $350,000 in MAT funding
Summary
Warden Joe Eichenlaub told the Bedford County Prison Board on April 23 that the jail is fully staffed, has launched new training and re-entry programs including a Financial Literacy class, and is seeking grants that could total about $350,000 for medical and MAT programming; the board also discussed facility upgrades and intercounty arrangements for female inmates.
Warden Joe Eichenlaub told the Bedford County Prison Board on April 23 that the jail is currently fully staffed overall, highlighted new training milestones and re-entry programs, and outlined grant applications that could expand medical and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services.
Eichenlaub said interviews have produced a candidate to replace an employee retiring from the medical department and noted two staff completed Axon Taser instructor certification. He reported the first cadet academy graduation was held March 27, 2026, and that staff attended the Warden’s Association and CCAP conferences.
The Warden listed community outreach events, including a Bedford High School tour and participation in the Everett Memorial Day Parade. He reported Act 22 medical cost containment savings of $761.42 for the quarter and said Spartan Health Services will provide medical care under the county’s new contract.
Eichenlaub described re-entry and treatment initiatives, saying the newest program in progress is a Financial Literacy course that falls under state guidelines. Deputy Warden Lisa Conklin reported completion of chapel volunteer training through PREMA, noted a chapel banquet in May, and said 12 inmates were baptized during recent special events.
On facility operations, the Warden said crews completed painting of bunks and inmate tables, finished a pass-through in the restricted housing unit and installed speed bumps at the facility entrance. He also reported ten use-of-force incidents during the quarter, nine of which involved two individuals; one incident was for non-compliance.
Eichenlaub said the inmate population is up overall compared with the prior quarter and that Bedford is negotiating with Huntingdon County to house female inmates because Huntingdon lacks a female housing area. He said a Title 37 audit is scheduled for November 2026.
On funding, the Warden said a MAT grant has been approved and a separate 2026 medicated grant received a favorable response pending final award; if both grants are awarded they would provide about $350,000 toward medical and MAT programming. He credited Deputy Warden Conklin with compiling approximately $500,000 in total grant funding for the facility.
The Warden recognized corrections officer Sean LaMarche as Employee of the Quarter and read a letter of commendation for Captain Jennifer Murphy. He said revisions to Policy 300.20, “Medication-Assisted (MAT) Continuation,” and the inmate agreement will be circulated for review before the next meeting.
Meeting procedure: the board entered an executive session for security matters at 11:34 a.m. and reconvened at 11:52 a.m. The meeting adjourned at 11:53 a.m. The next scheduled meeting is July 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Room 303.
