One-Third Of New Orleans Jail Inmates On Behavioral Health Medications; Service Provision Uneven

About one-third of the approximately 1,550 jail inmates at the Orleans Parish Jail are prescribed psychotropic medications. However, only about 160 of the inmates taking psychotropic medications are included on the monthly jail special needs mental health caseload. The jail data does not demonstrate that the numbers for these services are sufficient for the populations in need. Additionally the data is unclear regarding inmates who need counseling services and those who are receiving counseling services. Populations needing counseling services, such as victims of sexual abuse, those with addiction disorder, and youth offenders, are not adequately identified with regard . . .