Tenn. counties to get $500K for jail diversion programs

WBIR

MORGAN COUNTY, Tenn. — Morgan County may soon get more money to treat people for mental health issues instead of imprisoning them.

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services said it will give three applicants $500,000 to create a jail-diversion program. Morgan County submitted a plan to partner with Ridgeview Behavioral Health to build a facility for community services in Wartburg.

The goal would be to redirect people with mental health and substance abuse issues away from the criminal justice system into community-based treatment systems.

Full story: Morgan County to receive $500,000 for a jail diversion program, community services facility