Behavioral Health Across the System

The lead applicant is Dubois County in partnership with LifeSpring Health, the community mental health center for the region. The target population is people who enter the jail and are assessed to have a mental health issue and/or substance use disorder. It is anticipated that this project will serve 120 individuals over the program period. The county's racial makeup is White Alone - 91.5%, Black Alone - 1.2%, two or more races - 3.8%, and Other race - 7%. Among Dubois County residents, 8.3% are of ethnically Hispanic origin. In 2021, approximately 7.5% of individuals lived in a household with income below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

This project will provide a mental health specialist who will be available to co-respond with law enforcement, provide screenings and assessments in the jail, and transition individuals to community-based services as indicated. A Peer Recovery Specialist will provide coaching and support as clients move across the criminal justice system. Resources will be provided to address barriers to access to community-based treatment services.

Dubois County requests $549,933 in federal funding. Dubois County is not a previous recipient of JMHCP grant funds. The only subcontractor for this project is LifeSpring Health. This project addresses three of the Program Specific Priority Areas: 1) this project demonstrates that the funds will be used for public health and public safety; 2) this project demonstrates active participation of co-applicants in administering the program; and 3) funds will be used for treatment of incarcerated populations and will provide transition and reentry services for such individuals.