County to renew a jail health contract

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) – An unique KKCO Working For You follow-up. We’ve realized that Mesa County is predicted to resume its contract with a detention heart well being supplier, an organization referred to as NaphCare.

We began following this story when a 28-year-old man died within the county jail final week. Federal brokers arrested Sergio Villalobos on a warrant for distributing medicine containing fentanyl. However he died final Monday whereas below medical watch present process a detox.

On Tuesday, Mesa Commissioners will contemplate renewing a one-year $4 million contract with NaphCare. We reviewed the contract. It asks for an additional director of nursing and a six % value of dwelling improve.

NaphCare is certainly one of a handful of nationwide corporations that supply healthcare to prisons, however a fast Google search confirmed it’s no stranger to controversy.

Let’s begin in Spokane, Washington; a 55-year-old lady died in custody whereas detoxing from heroin. A jury awarded her household $27 million earlier this yr. Information point out NaphCare plans to attraction. Then in August, a Tacoma inmate filed a lawsuit towards the county and NaphCare. He claims he misplaced a leg as a result of NaphCare missed his gangrene. NaphCare denied wrongdoing.

However an e mail from Mesa County Sheriff’s Workplace mentioned NaphCare is the proper supplier for the county as a result of it gives the required degree of service for the very best worth. It goes on to say the sheriff’s workplace is happy with the extent of service NaphCare is at the moment offering.

The Mesa County coroner says it might take as much as six weeks to find out the reason for loss of life of Villalobos.

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