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3792 r STEPPING UP PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, counties routinely provide treatment services to the estimated 2 million people with serious mental illnesses booked into jail each year; and WHEREAS, prevalence rates of serious mental illnesses in jails are three to six times higher than for the general public; and WHEREAS, almost three - quarters of adults with serious mental illnesses in jails have co- occurring substance use disorders; and WHEREAS, adults with mental illnesses tend to stay longer in jail and, upon release, are at a higher risk of recidivism than people without these disorders; and WHEREAS, county jails spend two to three times more on adults with mental illnesses that require interventions compared to those without these treatment needs; and WHEREAS, without the appropriate treatment and services, people with mental illnesses continue to cycle through the criminal justice system, often resulting in tragic outcomes for these individuals and their families; and WHEREAS, Cabarrus County and all counties take pride in their responsibility to protect and enhance the health, welfare, and safety of its residents in efficient and cost - effective ways; and WHEREAS, through Stepping Up, the National Association of Counties, The Council of State Governments Justice Center, and the American Psychiatric Association Foundation are encouraging public, private, and nonprofit partners to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in jails. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim a Call to Action to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in our county jail, commit to sharing lessons learned with other counties in our state and across the country to support a national initiative and encourage all county officials, employees, and Attachment number 1 \n C -5 Page 41