ICOS forms pilot program to reduce amount of inmates with mental illnesses

Almost one in ten inmates at California State Prisons, suffer from mental health issues. The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office is focusing on helping these inmates once they’re no longer in jail.

Michael Montenegro is serving time in Imperial County jail for burglarizing a home. It was during this time he found out he suffered from mental issues. The Lima Recovery Pilot Program was there to help.
“Since I’ve been in this program, it has changed my life a lot. I didn’t think people are really out there to help you like in this way. And to actually make progress so quickly,” said Montenegro.

The program has given him new opportunities. It’s a chance for a new life. “A lot of things has improved since I got into this program. My speech. My interactions. I think I’m going to gain a significant amount of progress from this program.”

Now Montenegro plans to pay it forward. Helping others who also suffer from mental illnesses when he gets out of jail. ” Hopefully I can use the tools I learn here through Lima, to help other people out of the jail. Because like, it’ll be a great opportunity to expand the techniques and the progress I’ve made.”

The sheriff’s office say this program will help these inmates create a life outside these cells. So that they’re not arrested again and housed on your tax dollars.

Sgt. Jose Coronado of ICOS said, “evidence has shown that being inside a cell, by yourself can actually make your mental illness worse. And what we’re trying to do is trying to make people get better. That way these individuals don’t come back.”

Coronado launched the program just two months ago. But hopes to keep it running for years to come.