Washoe County Jail Adds Mental Health Unit Per WCSO: “In a monumental effort, our jail secured grant funding for and implemented a mental health unit within the Washoe County Detention Facility. The scope and details extend well beyond what can be summarized here. While our unit has only been live for a month, it is rapidly achieving its goals and making a positive impact. The Mental Health Unit serves our inmate population who have been deemed incompetent to stand trial and must receive treatment and be brought to competency. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office has created a program tailored from the ground up for this purpose. From the remodeling of the housing unit down to the deputy’s uniforms, the environment is focused on recovery. Inmates receive over five hours of programming and treatment each day via on-site and dedicated clinicians. Nurses and other healthcare staff are also dedicated to the unit. The deputies working in this unit are exclusively assigned, have backgrounds working in mental health, and have gone through specialized training to work here. In brief, the WCSO is chartering an unprecedented program to better serve Washoe County and create a healthier, safer community.” #reno #sparks #nevada