Colorado Jail Mental Health Program Ends: Success Story Despite Funding Loss
Vital Mental Health Support Ends in Arapahoe County Jail
Arapahoe County's Safer program, providing crucial mental health services to incarcerated individuals, has unfortunately ceased operations due to a lack of funding. Mental Health Colorado, the organization that ran the program, announced the closure, highlighting the bittersweet reality of its success despite the setback.
Vincent Atchity, President and CEO of Mental Health Colorado, expressed both disappointment and pride in the program's achievements. Safer focused on providing mental health support and resources to inmates, aiming to reduce recidivism and improve overall well-being. The program served 221 individuals during its run, and the results speak volumes.
Remarkable Results Despite Challenges
According to Atchity, only three out of the 221 participants in the Safer program received new criminal charges after their release. Even more impressively, no one who participated in the program re-offended in a way that led to their rearrest. This demonstrates the profound positive impact of providing mental health support within the correctional system.
“This is a real testament to the power of mental health treatment,” Atchity stated. “When people get the help they need, they’re less likely to re-offend, and more likely to build a better life for themselves.”
The Funding Gap and Its Consequences
The program's closure underscores a critical issue: the persistent lack of funding for mental health initiatives, particularly within the criminal justice system. While the Safer program proved its effectiveness, securing the necessary financial resources to continue its operation proved impossible. This situation is not unique to Arapahoe County; many similar programs across Colorado and the nation face similar struggles.
The loss of the Safer program is a blow to Arapahoe County, potentially impacting the jail population and the community’s safety. Without access to mental health support, individuals released from jail are at a higher risk of returning to criminal activity.
Looking Ahead: Advocacy and Future Solutions
Mental Health Colorado is now advocating for increased funding for mental health services throughout the state, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures and early intervention. They are actively working to raise awareness about the benefits of programs like Safer and to secure the resources necessary to reinstate it, or similar initiatives, in the future.
The success of the Safer program serves as a compelling case study for the value of integrating mental health care into the criminal justice system. It highlights the potential for reducing crime, improving public safety, and helping individuals rebuild their lives – all while saving taxpayer dollars in the long run. The hope is that this success story will spur action and lead to a renewed commitment to funding mental health services in Colorado, and beyond.
