JACKSON, Tenn. — A meeting was held Wednesday morning at the Madison County Jail in Jackson.

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office hosted a discussion on how to work with inmates who have mental health issues.

Stakeholders came to hear what resources and services the state legislature has provided and how to tap into them.

Participants expressed the need to differentiate between those struggling with mental illness and criminals.

“We were here to discuss some individuals that are having issues related to mental health and intellectual developmental disabilities,” said Marie Williams, Commissioner of the TN Dept. of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services. “Trying to figure out how can we all work together to make sure they get what they need.”

The main goal is to serve people until they’re able to rejoin and re-invest in their community.

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