Mental health, medical help a focus of Dakota County Integrative Health Unit

HASTINGS, Minn. — Officials in Dakota County unveiled the new Integrative Health Unit at the county jail Monday morning. That new facility provides specialized care, specifically for incarcerated individuals who are vulnerable or have dedicated needs.

That includes those with medical, mental health or substance use needs.

“We’re going to cut the ribbon on a very important project,” Dakota County Board Chairman Mike Slavik said. “One that keeps us on the cutting edge of mental health resources in Minnesota.”

The new unit has space for up to 26 people. County officials say this new space is one of the first — if not the first — in the state.

“It’s a continuance of care in our community, and then for those that are in custody, too,” Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko said. “They’re part of our community, too.”

The unit looks different than a typical jail unit. Wood-looking finishes are prominent, from the doors of cells to the floors. Some rooms are carpeted, and there’s an emphasis on natural light with multiple skylights. 

Green spaces are also common, and each cell is ADA compliant.

“We have to take care of them with dignity,” Leko said. “Not that we don’t now, but we need to do so with more intentionality and efficiency and care.”

The new unit cost $14.4 million, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. Leko says this new space will be a benefit to the community, and allow them to better help those who end up in their facility.

“I would like to think if you have a loved one that gets arrested and comes here, you want them to have the best care possible,” he said. “This ensures that will happen.”

The changes in this unit are purposeful, designed to help those who come in feel calmer and more at home.

“This trauma-informed design is really going to allow everyone the opportunity to thrive and get well as best they can in this facility,” Alicia Ward, treatment director of the jail treatment program, and chemical health supervisor for Dakota County Social Services, said.

“Many of the individuals we serve here have not had an experience in a jail facility before, and things like bright lights and loud sounds of the doors locking can be really challenging for individuals that struggle with severe and persistent mental illness, or also struggle with sensory issues,” Ward said. “That can lead to increased behaviors, and that can be really challenging for our jail staff to manage.”

Captain Ben Verby is the jail administrator, and gave KARE 11 a tour of the new unit.

“The jail environment is cold, quiet, stale, right? It really challenges their mental well-being,” he said while walking through group therapy rooms.

“This is changing the way we do corrections,” he said. “The needs are greater, and we need to adapt our jail to support those needs.”

Verby says there’s still a few more steps to clear before this unit is officially open, but says the goal is to be fully operational by May.