GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Within the last two weeks, three inmates at the Cascade County Detention Center have died, as reported by Sheriff Jesse Slaughter. Two of these deaths were suicides, and one was from a drug overdose.

“This is very troubling to me, and I know it’s troubling to our community, too,” Slaughter stated in a Facebook live video.

Sheriff Slaughter emphasized the severe mental health issues faced by inmates, noting the facility’s inadequate resources to address these problems. Previously, inmates requiring mental health care were transferred to the Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs, which lost its federal certification in 2022, resulting in long waitlists and quick returns of inmates to the community.

In response, the detention center has made several improvements, such as employing an on-site mental health provider, creating a designated pod for inmates with mental health challenges, and providing a social worker.

The facility is also awaiting approval for a $3 million mental health crisis diversion grant to enhance resources and rebuild the mobile response unit. Sheriff Slaughter explained, “The idea behind that program is that we’re going to do a lot more for our community, especially our community that are really struggling, and oftentimes because of their struggle, end up in our jail. We all know that’s not the right place for them.”

Additionally, Sheriff Slaughter addressed the issue of drugs being smuggled into the jail, stating, “There are people purposely and intentionally muling drugs into jails, not just in our jail, but all across the state and all across the country.”

Efforts are being made to reduce the inmate population at the Cascade County facility to maintain a manageable environment, despite potential revenue losses.

The investigations into the deaths are ongoing.

For more detailed information, refer to the original article.