GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter reported that three inmates have died in the Cascade County Detention Center within the last two weeks. Two of the deaths were suicides, and one was due to a drug overdose.

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

Sheriff Slaughter highlighted the significant mental health challenges faced by inmates, stressing that the jail is not equipped to handle such issues. In the past, inmates with mental health problems were sent to the Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs. However, the facility lost its federal certification in 2022, resulting in lengthy waitlists and quick returns of inmates to the community.

The Cascade County Detention Center has taken steps to address mental health issues, including having an on-site mental health provider and a designated pod for inmates with mental health challenges. A social worker is also available to assist inmates.

The jail is awaiting approval of a $3 million mental health crisis diversion grant, which would provide additional resources and support the rebuilding of a mobile response unit. Sheriff Slaughter emphasized the importance of this program, stating, “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.”

Sheriff Slaughter also discussed the need for a 72-hour holding facility to keep people who need treatment out of jail, which the grant would help fund.

Addressing the issue of drugs in the jail, Slaughter said, “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.”

The Cascade County facility is working to reduce its inmate population as part of an effort to maintain a manageable environment, even if it may reduce revenues.

The investigations into the deaths are ongoing.

For more detailed information, refer to the original article.