Health Concerns Discussed

PANELISTS AGREE JAIL NOT PROPER PLACE FOR MENTALLY ILL

Gene Drake with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office speaks Wednesday, during the NWA Community Forum on Mental Health and Criminal Justice in the Mercy Medical Center auditorium in Rogers. The program, sponsored by the Benton County Bar Association and the University of Arkansas’ Counselor Education Program, was moderated by Circuit Judge Jon Comstock.
Gene Drake with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office speaks Wednesday, during the NWA Community Forum on Mental Health and Criminal Justice in the Mercy Medical Center auditorium in Rogers. The program, sponsored by the Benton County Bar Association and the University of Arkansas’ Counselor Education Program, was moderated by Circuit Judge Jon Comstock.

— Panelists at a mental health forum agreed the mentally ill should not languish in county jails, but finding a solution is an ongoing challenge.

Speakers from law enforcement and the legal and mental health communities were at Wednesday’s NWA’s Community Forum on Mental Health and Criminal Justice at Mercy Medical Center that drew more than 100 people. The program focused on the care of people charged with crimes who have been committed to the Arkansas State Hospital to restore their fitness so they can stand trial.

The State Hospital in Little Rock has 96 beds for the state, meaning it could take months before a person is transferred there.

Maj. Gene Drake with the Benton County Sheriff's Office said his office has four inmates who have waited since May to be treated at the hospital.

“The sheriff and I strongly believe the mentally ill don’t belong in jail,” Drake said.

Deputies are able to detect mental issues with some inmates early and try to get those individuals assistance, but there is often a wait for court orders and then for the hospital to have room, Drake said.

Drake said Sheriff’s Office officials would like to see the State Hospital expand or perhaps expand a site to a local hospital.

Circuit Judge Jon Comstock, the program moderator, said he recently recent took a tour of the forensic unit at the State Hospital and learned some people have been patients in the unit for years and at least two have been there for more than 20 years.

Jennifer Gallaher, executive director of the Arkansas State Hospital, also stressed the mentally ill should not be in jails.

Gallaher described the issue as a “crisis” and pointed at flaws in clinical, management and planning areas.

“We can’t solve it overnight, but we can put a plan in place,” Gallaher said. “We need everybody’s help.”

Rob Gershon with Ozark Guidance told the audience the facility recently began a program to restore mental fitness in individuals who are in jail or free on bond. Ozark Guidance has treated more than 25 people.

Jeri Skaggs brought a personal message to the forum. She shared her son’s struggle with schizophrenia. She also shared Faith Denise Whitcomb’s plight. Whitcomb was an inmate in the Benton County Jail for several months. She died in jail on May 3, waiting for an opening at the State Hospital. Whitcomb died of pancreatic cancer that went undiagnosed while she was in jail.

Kelley Cradduck, Benton County Sheriff-elect, believes the problem can be fixed. Cradduck pointed at possibly allowing mentally ill inmates to have counseling while in jail. He also said they should be segregated from other inmates instead of placed in general population.

“We cannot simply let people rot in jail when they have mental health issues,” Cradduck said. “It’s not acceptable.”

Comstock raised the idea of a mental health court. There is one in Jonesboro, he said.

“Please stay involved,” Comstock urged the audience. “This is not about Northwest Arkansas, but the entire state.”

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