Jennings jail officers finish mental health first aid training

Jennings County Jail officers have completed training in Mental Health First Aid for public safety.

The sheriff’s department announced last week that officers had finished the training, an 8-hour program that gives officers the skills to provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance abuse problem and help to connect them to appropriate care. The training focuses on the needs of public safety personnel, and is a valuable resource that can make a positive difference in officers’ lives and their communities, according to the sheriff’s department.

The program is offered by Advanced Correctional Healthcare, Inc. through a partnership with Freedom Behavioral Health, Inc. Dr. Melissa Caldwell, with Freedom Behavioral Health said that detention facilities are facing rising suicide rates and officers need tools to maintain personal wellness while deescalating crises in the workplace.

Jennings County Jail employs 39 staff members.