Inmate medical costs increasing

WALKER -- Costs for medical services for Cass County jail inmates have increased to the point the entire 2001 budget will be expended before the month's end.

The county board authorized the Health and Human Services Department to spend what is necessary for these services and submit bills for payment beyond the budget through the end of this year.

Administrator Robert Yochum said the excess payments will have to be made from the county general fund.

Dorothy Opheim, Health and Human Services director, reported medical supplies have increased. More inmates have required hospitalizations the last two years.

It cost $4,000 for one man to spend two days recently at Park Rapids Hospital, she said.

Adult health supervisor Dee Anderson, who manages public health services provided to inmates at the jail, said more inmates also have required mental health treatment than in the past.

She said she has seen a rise in mental health problems among inmates since public health nursing services first were provided to the jail.

Some now need in-patient services rather than just counseling at the jail, Anderson said.