New Methods for Mental Health Holds Discussed in Minidoka County

April 08--RUPERT -- A change in how law enforcement holds people with mental health issues was discussed Monday during a meeting between Minidoka and Cassia counties.

The discussion was prompted by Minidoka County Magistrate Judge Rick Bollar and Minidoka Memorial Hospital CEO Carl Hanson.

Hanson said the current practice of holding suspects in the hospital's emergency room during a mental health evaluation was stressful to the staff and other patients.

Bollar and Hanson approached the two counties for help finding a better method for mental health checks in Mini-Cassia.

One of the problems, according to Cassia County Prosecutor Al Barrus, is that a person doesn't receive treatment once they're committed to a mental health clinic until a court order determines what should be done.

"Sending them down to those facilities doesn't do us any good for the first three or four days," Barrus said.

During that time, treatment is unavailable and transportation costs are high. Police officers also end up spending time and resources transporting individuals to the clinic. Additionally, mental health clinic locations in Boise, Twin Falls and Pocatello make the process more difficult, he said.

Hanson said the Minidoka Memorial Hospital was willing to use resources for a dedicated on-site area for the mental health checks that is outside the emergency room.

Commissioners from both counties agreed the need was there and they would look for alternative methods.

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