BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — During Wednesday’s Belmont County Commission meeting, commissioners passed a resolution to become a Stepping Up county.
Stepping Up is an initiative designed to address mental health issues among inmates by expanding services and support both while people are incarcerated and when they return to the community.
Leaders with the Mental Health and Recovery Board said the added support is necessary, particularly to help drive down recidivism rates in an area where most inmates are affected by mental health or substance use disorders.
“In order for our communities to be safe, our people need to be well. In order to be well, they need to receive, many times, mental health services, drug and alcohol treatment, support such as pro-social activities, housing, connection to positive role models that can help support them and offer them hope,” said Patty Allen, director of system of care for the Mental Health and Recovery Board.
County officials said the Stepping Up partnership will build on efforts already underway at the jail, including placing a social worker in the facility and having Coleman Health Services provide mental health and substance use disorder treatment for inmates.
The program is also expected to open access to additional training opportunities and grants to support mental health care in the jail.