40. Community Need Like many communities nationwide, Montgomery County is seeing an increased need for behavioral health services and resources. Since 2019, county hospitals have seen a 26% increase in patient encounters for behavioral health needs in emergency departments and an 8.6% increase in substance use disorders. The jail population is often a reflection of the community, and behavioral health needs increased for all citizens. For example, despite a 26% decrease in the jail population since the pandemic, there is a significant increase in hospital admissions for inmates with severe medical/mental health conditions. Spending on psychotropic medications has doubled since 2018.

Compounding the problem is the number of inmates with underlying health conditions, further limiting resources in the jail while complicating an individual's recovery and ability to succeed upon release. Jail healthcare provider NaphCare reported serving 1,000+ inmates suffering opioid withdrawal within the facility in 2023. More than half of inmates report having chronic health issues in addition to having more than one medical or behavioral health condition.

A jail behavioral health unit will provide relief for local hospitals already facing the burden of crowded ERs by delivering emergency psychiatric care and freeing up beds for other residents needing care. Local government will see a reduction in transportation costs for inmates frequenting area hospitals.

This unit will allow more space for detox, suicide prevention treatment and medical care while simultaneously improving the intake and booking of inmates. The number of general population beds will drop by 226, and the number of medical/behavioral health beds will increase from 12 to 112. Naphcare will have more space to properly care for inmates, resulting in better outcomes and a more conducive working environment for staff. It will also afford the return of additional programming and services, including pre-trial services and resources to better prepare inmates for successful community reintegration.

To date, Montgomery County has been innovative and effective in finding ways to support the needs of inmates. Efforts include developing peer support and medication-assisted treatment in a correctional setting and developing partnerships to support mental health providers through university programming, Impaired Driver Curriculum and the Miami Valley Pet Therapy Association for therapy dog services. The county has worked diligently with correctional healthcare partners to structure and streamline effective discharge planning services for inmates. Despite significant efforts, the challenges presented by facility design are profound.

We prioritize creating a safe and therapeutic environment while meeting the Bureau of Adult Detention classification and security requirements. Funding support is integral to assisting Montgomery County’s vulnerable residents and their successful reentry to our community, creating a safer and healthier community for all our citizens.