BEXAR COUNTY, Texas — There have been 12 deaths reported at the Bexar County Jail, so far this year.
On Tuesday, Bexar County Commissioners approved additional funding which could help low level offenders get treatment, rather than being thrown in jail and potentially saving lives.
"It avoids criminalization of mental illness by allowing access to care," said Gilbert Gonzales, Director, Bexar County Department of Behavioral Health.
The additional funding is part of an agreement with the Center for Health Care Services, to provide mental health support services and treatment to arrestees.
The funding aims to help those arrested with mental health issues stay out of jail and connect them with treatment. When someone is arrested, they will be asked a series of questions to assess if they need help.
If they do need help, they are automatically screened through JIAA or the Justice Intake and Assessment Annex. If services are needed and a judge approves, they can get help.
"Merging of public safety, and public health," said Gonzales.
The funding will also allow for 10 new positions.
"To provide clinicians on a 24 hour basis, to be able to provide license to supervisors throughout those 7 days a week," said Gonzales.
Officials said the funding will also provide a return of investment. Gonzales says for every $1 spent the county will save at least $4, that it would have spent otherwise on incarceration. Plus the potential of saving lives for individuals that shouldn't be in jail.
"If were able to identify that suicidal, suicidal ideation, the depression, the anxiety, the acute anxiety early on, were able to divert that person into treatment," said Gonzales.