Improving Conditions for Mentally Ill Jail Inmates in Multnomah County
Between 32 to 80 percent of the people who temporarily live in Multnomah County’s jail experience mental illness.
Our 2017 investigative report of the Multnomah County Detention Center, A Merry Go Round that Never Stops: Mental Illness in the Multnomah County Detention Center, found that detainees in mental health crisis endured solitary confinement, violence, and deprivation. Disability Rights Oregon called for better jail conditions and to redirect more people accused of low level offenses to healthcare and supports.
Our May 2018 progress report revealed that, in a little more than a year, the jail implemented some of the recommendations outlined in our 2017 investigative report. As a result of our advocacy, the Multnomah County Detention Center improved conditions for inmates who experience mental health conditions by:
Expanding access to healthcare in the jail
Curbing violence by correctional staff
Limiting solitary confinement
The Oregonian editorial board spotlighted the progress made in improving conditions at the Multnomah County Detention Center and our advocacy.
“But Multnomah County's work on this difficult front is reassuring. With continued leadership and oversight from Reese, the county board and Disability Rights Oregon, it should continue.”
—The Oregonian, May 23, 2018
