The Peoria County jail is improving the health care inmates receive while in custody. The improvements have largely taken place over the past two years. That includes better access to mental health professionals and other health care providers. In recognition for these efforts the jail received accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care last week. Peoria County is the sixth county in Illinois to receive this recognition. Sheriff Mike McCoy says there are several advantages to being an accredited facility.

“One is for protection from health related lawsuits,” says McCoy, “this certification promotes and documents an efficient well managed system of health care delivery, meaning we are going to do things the right way.”

McCoy says the certification also ensures the facility is satisfying the constitutional requirements for inmate health care. He says the Commission on Correctional Health Care will inspect the jail every two years to ensure the continued obedience of the healthcare guidelines.