Health dept. wins $1M grant

SANDUSKY — Federal officials awarded the Erie County Health Department with a $1 million grant to provide health care to jail inmates and suspects who are criminal defendants. "The funding will support innovative approaches to health care delivery for individuals navigating the justice system, focusing on addressing disparities, fostering rehabilitation and promoting public safety," according to a press release from U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, who announced the grant award on Wednesday. Pete Schade, Erie County's health commissioner, said that while the health department has been providing nursing services for years to inmates in the Erie County jail, the grant means that efforts will be expanded to provide health care, mental health care, dental care and needed prescription drugs to people involved in the criminal justice system. "'Our plan is to provide outreach and education to them directly," Schade said. "We are working on a program to get them their medication, pharmaceutical things they need to behave themselves and keep them out of trouble, keep the recidivism rate as low as possible. Not everybody who goes to jail is a 'bad person' "We want to make sure they have an opportunity to become healthy," Schade added. The two-year grant is from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Quality Improvement Fund — Justice Involved program. It starts on Dec. 1 and will run through the end of November 2026. Kaptur helped the health department obtain the grant, but the health department obtained it by submitting a grant application, Schade said. "Justice-involved individuals often face barriers to care," Kaptur said in a statement. "With these funds, Erie County is taking a proactive step to provide tailored health services that not only address urgent medical needs but also build bridges to brighter futures. This is the kind of work that strengthens communities, reduces repeat criminal activity, and affirms our shared commitment to justice and compassion."