Mesa County Commissioners convened to discuss critical agenda items, including an extension of a contract aimed at providing substance abuse treatment for female inmates. The discussion centered around ensuring continued access to rehabilitation services for those in the county’s detention facility.
Contract Extension for Inmate Treatment
Commissioners deliberated on whether to approve an extension of the agreement between Mesa County and Colorado West Regional Mental Health. This extension would allow female inmates at the Mesa County Detention Facility to continue receiving drug and alcohol treatment throughout 2025.
According to officials, a significant percentage of women in the criminal justice system struggle with substance abuse. Providing structured treatment programs is seen as a crucial step toward rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.
Why the Extension Matters
Michelle Cooley, Mesa County Criminal Justice Services Director, emphasized the importance of the contract, stating that their Summit View program lacks the necessary number of female inmates to support a dedicated inpatient treatment program.
“The female inmates wouldn’t be able to receive this treatment through our Summit View program as we don’t have enough females to support an inpatient treatment program,” Cooley explained. “And therefore, this contract allows us to offer that service to them. They participate in it with other females in the community.”
Benefits of the Treatment Program
The contract extension ensures that incarcerated women:
- Receive the appropriate level of treatment based on their needs.
- Do not remain in jail longer than necessary just to access treatment.
- Have the opportunity to transition smoothly into community-based rehabilitation programs.
Cooley noted that the program allows female inmates to progress in their recovery without unnecessary incarceration, enabling them to move forward with their lives more effectively.