The state has announced $3 million in grants to address the mental health needs of Ohio offenders in county jails in hopes of reducing jail populations and the rate of inmates returning to the facilities.
The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is providing money to 23 projects that serve 38 counties.
Agency director Tracy Plouck announced the funding Thursday at the Mahoning County Minimum Security Jail in Youngstown.
Plouck says too many Ohioans with serious mental illness and substance abuse disorders are lingering in county jails and not getting the help they need.
Counties and social service agencies can use the grants to provide treatment programs in jails and to connect offenders with additional treatment options once they're out.