Our Medical Officer of Health is worried Grey Bruce residents jailed in Penetang are missing out on local support systems.
Doctor Hazel Lynn says that will contribute to more inmates re-offending.
Doctor Lynn says the Health Unit worked extremely hard to put continuing support in place for people with mental health problems while they are in jail and when they get out.
She says now that inmates are being transferred to the super jail in Penetang they are missing out on those community-connected programs.
Doctor Lynn is doubtful those at Penetang will ever get connected to local after-care programs’ when they get released.
The Grey Bruce Health Unit Board recently wrote a letter to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services expressing their concerns.
Doctor Lynn was irritated by the response the Board received.
She notes the paragraph that said “although inmates will be removed from their local communities while at Penetang, family visits should be readably accessible.
Doctor Lynn says a number of inmates families can’t even afford the trip to Penetang. let alone feel safe driving there in the winter.
She says it proves they really are not interested in our problems.
