Sherrill Reintroduces Bill to Expand Access to Mental Health Resources and Reduce Crime

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) reintroduced her Improving Mental Healthcare in the Re-Entry System Act. This evidence-based legislation would expand mental health screenings in jails and prisons and then connect individuals with mental healthcare providers when they return to their communities, which has been proven to significantly reduce the likelihood that an individual reoffends.

The Improving Mental Healthcare in the Re-Entry System Act is the next pillar in Rep. Sherrill’s Improving Public Safety in New Jersey Communities Agenda, a legislative package she is introducing to reduce crime across the Garden State and make our state safer for all residents.

“As the Outreach and Reentry Coordinator at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, I saw firsthand how access to mental healthcare for individuals returning to their communities helps people get back on track and reduces recidivism rates. I worked with mental health professionals, law enforcement, and community leaders to develop this legislation that will effectively meet the needs of New Jerseyans, support local mental healthcare providers, reduce crime, and give people a fair shot across the Garden State. I urge Speaker Johnson and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting this commonsense legislation,” said Rep. Sherrill.

The legislation has also been endorsed by the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris (NJ) and the International Union of Police Associations.

“The Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, Inc. enthusiastically supports the Improving Mental Healthcare in the Re-Entry System Act. Congresswoman Sherrill understands that all people have dignity and deserve to be treated with compassion, especially if they are suffering from a mental illness, a condition no one asks for. Congresswoman Sherrill knows that the overwhelming percentage of prisoners are getting released someday and as a matter of humanity and public safety it is important that we do it right. The proposed program will enhance public safety, improve the lives of individuals with mental illness and reduce costs to the taxpayer. These are tough issues that a lot of people walk away from. We appreciate that Congresswoman Sherrill has decided to lead,” said Bob Davison, CEO of the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, Inc.

The Improving Mental Healthcare in the Re-Entry System Act provides funding to the Bureau of Prisons, States, and localities to carry out mental health screenings and provide referrals to mental healthcare providers for incarcerated individuals upon release.

The legislation is based on an innovative mental health program developed by the Johnson County, Kansas jail system in 2016. A rigorous study of the program found that it significantly increased mental healthcare access for participants and reduced their likelihood of committing a crime after release.

Access to mental health services is so important because almost 70% of individuals released from state prisons have been arrested again within three years. A lack of access to mental healthcare for those in the criminal justice system likely plays an important role in this cycle of incarceration and re-arrest. About 40% of incarcerated individuals have a mental health condition and 16% have a severe mental illness, and individuals with severe mental illnesses are twice as likely to return to prison compared to those without such illnesses.

Before she was elected to Congress, Rep. Sherrill served as the Outreach and Reentry Coordinator at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey, where she worked to reduce recidivism and help individuals leaving federal prison successfully reintegrate into the community.