Tarrant County commissioners voted on Tuesday to renew their contract with My Health My Resources of Tarrant County (MHMR) to provide mental health care at the county jail, a facility described by the sheriff as the largest psychiatric hospital in the county. The new contract, amounting to approximately $8.2 million for fiscal year 2025, has sparked public scrutiny regarding the treatment of inmates with mental illness and intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD).
During the Commissioners Court meeting, residents raised critical questions about the adequacy of mental health services offered in the jail, particularly for vulnerable populations. Tarrant County resident Julie Griffin posed a poignant question: “Do they belong in a jail?” She referenced two high-profile cases involving individuals with IDD or mental health diagnoses who have alleged neglect while incarcerated.
One notable case is that of Chasity Congious, who received a historic settlement of $1.2 million after giving birth in her cell, resulting in the death of her newborn. Kelly Masten, who suffers from an intellectual disability and severe seizure disorder, was placed in a medically induced coma following repeated seizures in her cell, as detailed in a lawsuit filed by her sister. Additionally, Anthony Johnson Jr. died in April after being pepper sprayed by jail staff, with his family stating he was diagnosed with schizophrenia; two jailers have since been indicted for murder in connection with his death.
Reed Bilz also highlighted the case of Georgia Kay Baldwin, who died in custody from suspected dehydration in 2021. Her family recently received a $750,000 settlement from Tarrant County. Bilz urged the commissioners to initiate an investigation into the treatment of other inmates and to incorporate accountability measures into the renewed contract with MHMR.
Susan Garnett, CEO of MHMR, defended the organization’s track record, noting that they have collaborated with John Peter Smith Hospital (JPS) and the county on jail healthcare for three decades. “Our experience has shown that this partnership has been robust,” Garnett stated.
When questioned about the responsibility for ensuring inmates receive adequate food and water, Garnett refrained from commenting on specific cases. Instead, she emphasized MHMR’s role in providing mental health services, coordinating efforts with both JPS and jail staff.
According to MHMR’s contract, staff are obligated to evaluate inmates for mental health issues, ensure they receive necessary medications, and conduct weekly check-ins for those housed in MHMR-specific areas. Documentation obtained through a public records request indicated that Baldwin received multiple visits per week from caseworkers and therapists while incarcerated.
Garnett pointed out that two other detainees in Tarrant County jail also died of dehydration in recent years, as per Tarrant County Medical Examiner reports. She reassured the public that jail staff and MHMR actively collaborate to ensure the care of inmates, stating, “It might surprise people to know how frequently jailers reach out for additional resources for individuals.”
Efforts have also been made to divert individuals with mental illness away from jail. The Mental Health Jail Diversion Center, established in 2022, serves as an alternative for those arrested for low-level, nonviolent offenses.
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