Brown Co. Board OKs jail mental health services proposal

To prescribe meds in a more timely manner

NEW ULM -- In an effort to get appropriate medications to inmates in a more timely manner, Brown County commissioners unanimously approved a one-year jail mental health services proposal Tuesday.

Approval of a $39,500 proposal from Advanced Correctional Healthcare/Freedom Behavioral Health, Inc. came on a motion by Commissioner Scott Windschitl, seconded by Dave Borchert.

Brown County Jail Administrator Steve Appel said the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) inspected the jail last year and noted the lag time of up to eight weeks from them to get medications through New Ulm Medical Center (NUMC).

Under the proposal, Advanced Correctional Healthcare would provide three hours a week of services from a qualified mental health professional with at least a master's level of education in person or via tele-health. Services include coordinating with the jail doctor in prescribing appropriate medications in a more timely manner.

The proposal does not include an $800 psychotropic prescriber fee, billed at a 1 hour minimum, in 1 hour increments.

"I know it's spendy, but the DOC said there was too much lag time using the hospital to see inmates and getting meds in here (the jail)," Appel said.

Appel said three area counties use Advanced Correctional Healthcare.

Brown County Sheriff Jason Seidl talked about how the jail handles mental health services now.

"When we have somebody in need of medical health services in the jail, and there are a couple in there now not getting their needs met, we contact the NUMC, the only available option for us, we're looking at what, eight weeks out. That's not serving their needs," said Seidl.

"Some of the correctional officer turnover was due to them dealing with inmate mental health. It's very stressful on staff," Seidl said.

Appel said NUMC Dr. Stephen Gilles, M.D. is willing to work with Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc.

“I can certainly see the need for this to happen. The problem keeps getting pushed that way. We need to do something to meet the burden. My concern is finding out if there are alternatives," said Commissioner Windschitl.

Commissioners unanimously approved:

• Awarding a contract for a Joint Judicial Ditch 10 partial open ditch clean-out in Cottonwood County to Walters Excavating for $29,555, motion by Commissioner Tony Berg, seconded by Windschitl. A couple landowners requested 10,360 feet of ditch be cleaned out. The project is scheduled to be completed by April 1, 2024. Sandgren Trucking bid $34,695.

• A Carbon Reduction Program Partnership Agreement with Cottonwood, Jackson, Martin, Nobles and Rock Counties for federal Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) funds to pay 80% of the cost to purchase 13 electric pickup trucks, motion by Brian Braun, seconded by Borchert.

Brown County will review and approve final specifications, set a letting date and award bid in coordination with Cottonwood County, and pay the 20% share when invoiced.