Assessing Rural-Urban Differences in Screening for Mental Health Needs Among Individuals in County Jails

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Individuals who book into rural jails have considerably higher behavioral health needs higher rates of mental illness when identified through a validated screening instrument, compared to their urban jail counterparts. Their mental health needs are less likely to be identified, which may lead to a lack of connection to diversion or treatment opportunities. Sparse availability of mental health professionals in rural communities is likely a contributing factor to the increased behavioral health needs in rural jails (Ward & Merlo, 2015). Future research should assess in-jail and reentry connections for those identified by the both measures. These findings continue to highlight the complex problems facing rural communities, highlighting inequities for those with behavioral health needs depending on geography.

Authors

• Victoria Lynn Nelson, Wayne State University

• Erin Comartin, Wayne State University Center for Behavioral Health and Justice

• Grant Victor, Rutgers University

• Nickolas Zaller, UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health