Mental health program for jail inmates proposed for Dougherty COVID recovery spending
Albany HeraldNov 15, 2021
Nov. 15—ALBANY — Addressing mental health issues exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic should be a priority when deciding how to spend federal recovery dollars, a medical professional told
Mental health initiatives, including a program for assisting jail inmates, are part of a proposal for spending federal recovery funds.
"As a
In many instances, she said, that results in individuals with mental health issues coming into contact with law enforcement. Children also are at risk, as one in six people between the ages of 6 and 17 will have a mental health issue.
"You have many young people who have experienced the loss of a parent or loved one to COVID-19 and they need help," Fortson said. "I'm concerned for children and those who have no effective access to mental health."
The county has received about
Mental health is a component in the recommendations being made for spending the recovery money, county officials said. Staff proposals include spending between
"There has been a proposed allocation for mental health in our proposed American Rescue Plan spending program," County Administrator
Phoebe, which provides health services at the
"Phoebe is going to help administer care for our inmates, if the commission approves it," Commissioner
The commission has approved
___
(c)2021 The Albany Herald, Ga.
Visit The Albany Herald, Ga. at www.albanyherald.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.