In California, Jails Are Now the Mental Health Centers of Last Resort [sandiegouniontribune.com]

Rafael Maravilla(PACEs Connection Staff) 9/25/194:00 AM

By Kelly Davis, Jeff McDonald, The San Diego Union-Tribune, September 20, 2019

Almost one in three San Diego County jail inmates is prescribed medication to treat mental illness, making Sheriff Bill Gore one of the most prolific providers of behavioral health services in the region.

Last year alone, Gore spent more than $5.6 million on pharmaceutical drugs for the 5,600 or so people behind bars on any given day — approximately $1,000 per inmate, or one-fifth of the sheriff’s entire budget for medical, dental, psychiatric and other contracted health care services.

Sheriff’s officials say they do the best they can to treat the sick people who make their way into custody and to reduce the number of suicides and other in-custody deaths.

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