NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson hosted a panel on Wednesday, May 8, to discuss mental health services at the Orleans Justice Center as part of mental health awareness month.
Hutson said inmates at the jail need better mental health services and announced a plan to offer better mental health care.
She said she believes in an approach that will benefit jail staff, inmates and their families.
“It takes a village to do this, you really need that whole support network. So, when that is all humming together, we’re going to see people going home and having secure places to live, and having a family to take care of, and having resources,” said Hutson.
She noted that OPSO deputies are trained to respond to mental health issues among inmates.
Hutson also addressed the challenges deputies face while working in corrections, including late nights, early mornings and staffing shortages.
“Staffing shortages are pushing deputies to breaking points and putting them in grave danger. A single deputy working the toughest unit in the jail can be responsible for dozens of residents during a shift. If that deputy continues in this manner with little support for extended periods of time they can be stretched to the max,” said Hutson.
She said clinical professionals are available for the OPSO staff.
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