WASHINGTON – The National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) today announced the formation of a joint task force to reduce jail inmate recidivism through continuity of health care services. 

The National District Attorney’s Association (NDAA) was asked to select a member from among its ranks to sit on this task force to give a local prosecutors perspective and today they chose District Attorney John Flynn.  DA Flynn will provide insight into the need for increased access to services for our Nation’s veterans who often interact with the criminal justice system as a result of post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use issues or other co-occurring disorders.

The new task force brings together county officials, sheriffs, prosecutors, judges, public defenders and behavioral health partners to develop a coordinated response to the challenges faced by these individuals. As these stakeholders know, federal policies often stand in the way of necessary treatment and other services to increase the likelihood that inmates will successfully transition back into society. DA Flynn is the only prosecutor on the task force.

Members of the new task force will explore the impacts of existing federal policies on recidivism and health outcomes of local jail inmates. A focus will be placed on those individuals suffering from mental health, substance use disorders and/or other chronic health illnesses.

There is a growing reliance on our nation’s local jails to serve as “one stop” treatment centers for individuals suffering from mental health, substance abuse and/or other chronic health illnesses.  Under current law, those who can afford bail keep their health care while those unable to pay – who are most susceptible to illness – face a gap in coverage. Research shows gaps in coverage lead to higher rates of recidivism resulting in over-incarceration.

“I am honored to be chosen from among my colleagues nation-wide to sit on this important task force,” said District Attorney Flynn. “It is my hope that I will be able to help find a solution to an issue that has plagued the corrections system not only here in Erie County but around our country.”

ABOUT THE TASK FORCE:

The NACo-NSA Task Force will convene at least twice during Spring/Summer 2019. The group will be led by NACo co-chair, Commissioner Nancy Sharpe of Colorado, and NSA co-chair, Sheriff Greg Champagne of Louisiana.  The group will also have representatives from county judges, prosecutors, public defenders, health experts, veterans service officers and other county experts. The task force will also welcome participation and contributions from other governmental, corporate, academic and philanthropic partners.

1. Co-Chair:  Commissioner Nancy Sharpe, Arapahoe County, Colo.
2. Co-Chair:  Sheriff Greg Champagne, St. Charles Parish, La.
3. Ms. Delrice Adams, Executive Director, Cook County Justice Advisory Council, Ill.
4. Sheriff Mike Adkinson, Walton County, Fla.
5. Supervisor Kathryn Barger, County of Los Angeles, Cali.
6. Commissioner Roy Charles Brooks, Tarrant County, Tex.
7. Sheriff Brett Clark, Hendricks County, Indiana
8. Sheriff Jerry Clayton, Washtenaw County, Mich.
9. Sheriff Thomas Dart, Cook County, Ill.
10. Mayor Jerry Demings, Orange County, Fla.
11. Hon. John Flynn, District Attorney, Erie County, N.Y.
12. Sheriff Daron Hall, Davidson County, Tenn.
13. Sheriff Michael Heldman, Hancock County, Ohio
14. Judge David Hudson, Sebastian County, Ark.
15. Judge Clay Jenkins, Dallas County, Tex.
16. Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, Middlesex County, Mass.
17. Associate Administrative Judge Steve Leifman, Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida (Miami-Dade County)
18. Mr. Nick Macchione, Director, Health and Human Services Agency, San Diego County, Cali.
19. Sheriff John McMahon, San Bernardino, Cali
20. Sheriff Gabriel Morgan, Sr., Newport News, Virginia
21. County Executive Christopher Moss, Chemung County, N.Y.
22. Sheriff Eric Severson, Waukesha County, Wisc.
23. Commissioner Helen Stone, Chatham County, Ga.
24. Sheriff Tim Svenson, Yamhill County, Oregon
25. Commissioner Janet Thompson, Boone County, Mo.
26. Sheriff Errol Toulon, Jr., Suffolk County, N.Y.
27. Mayor Jenny Wilson, Salt Lake County, Utah 
28. Mr. Edward Zachary, Director of Veterans Service, Medina County, Ohio