Spike in suicides in El Paso County jail highlights shortfalls of mental health care for those behind bars
After a 33-year-old man took his life last week while incarcerated at the El Paso County jail, the number of suicides in the facility since 2019 rose to five, after nearly a decade when none were reported.
Their deaths come as suicides remain as the No. 1 cause of death in jails nationwide and as the El Paso County jail juggled mental health providers after a report found “critical shortfalls” in the jail’s former health care contractor. After making the switch to a new contractor, three more suicide have been reported.
In Crisis? Help is Available Now.
Mental Health Colorado is an advocacy organization. We do not provide crisis services, clinical care, or direct mental health support. The organization’s contact information is for non-crisis inquiries and is monitored during business hours only.