Athens-Clarke County Commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve a new contract for medical care at the Clarke County Jail.
The new contract, with a new provider, will cost significantly more than the jail has paid in the past – between $4.2 and $5.6 million per year, compared to about $2.1 million last year. But, sheriff’s department officials say that the new contract provides much more in the way of necessary services, including more medical staff.
Chief Deputy Frank Woods oversees the Clarke County Jail. At a work session last month, Woods told commissioners that the current contract and its provider isn't measuring up.
"The current contract doesn't require the provider to employ an appropriate staff level to adequately care for the number of residents that are incarcerated in the jail," Woods said.
I know we're not running a hospital, but at times it seems like it - because the individuals that come in our back door are suffering from all manner of of challenges. And as you know in the jail environment, we can't say no.Chief Deputy Frank Woods
According to Woods, the lack of nursing staff at the jail – a typical day last month saw one nurse for every 137 detainees – is causing significant problems for jail staff and inmates.
The new contract will also add more mental health services, which Woods says will reduce the number of use-of-force situations.
At Tuesday's meeting, Commissioner Allison Wright was supportive of the contract, even with its higher cost.
“While in our custody, the conditions will be better and then I think their chances of an improved life will also improve,” Wright said.
Statistics from the Sheriff’s Department say that, nationwide, some 40% of jail inmates have at least one chronic condition, and 44% have a history of mental illness.
