Montgomery County sheriff, jail to support National Mental Health Awareness Month

Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck announced the start of a month of sheriff's office activities to support National Mental Health Awareness Month.

For the month of May, the Montgomery County Drug-Free Coalition will provide magnets to law enforcement cruisers across the county and pins to anyone interested in showing support. The sheriff's office also created a public service announcement to encourage residents to break the stigma around mental illness.

"Society's view of mental illness won't change until we act to change it," Streck said.

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In addition, the sheriff said that the Montgomery County Jail will host a re-entry event later this month as part of the Montgomery County Stepping Up Initiative. The event will offer inmates additional education and resources to address mental health concerns.

"Assessing and meeting the mental health needs of our inmates is a priority among jail administration. Our discharge planners, peer supporters and other direct care providers onsite are consistently identifying what resources are available not only to support treatment, but also to increase access to work and meaningful activity and build stronger personal relationships with others - all of which we know supports recovery," Streck said.

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