A New Approach to Jail Mental Health and Recovery in Wayne County

When Sheriff Tom Ballinger and Bobbi Douglas, Executive Director of OneEighty, talk about jail reform, they aren’t speaking from theory. They are working inside the reality of addiction, mental illness, and generational trauma in Wayne County every day. Together, they share a vision of rehabilitation that focuses on long-term healing for individuals in jail and sustainable support for the people who serve them. As Bobbi puts it, “If we can meet people inside the jail and offer real support, we can help them make sustainable change once they’re back home. That’s where recovery truly begins.” Sheriff Ballinger echoes that perspective, emphasizing that true public safety comes from stability, treatment, and community care.

At OneEighty, our mission is rooted in the belief that recovery is possible for everyone. That means the work must include individuals who are incarcerated, the deputies and corrections officers interacting with them daily, and the families waiting for their return. Sheriff Ballinger shares this belief. Their collaboration prioritizes mental health, stability, and community care as key drivers for real public safety.

Understanding the Mental Health Landscape Inside the Jail

Sheriff Ballinger has seen a dramatic shift in the needs of incarcerated individuals during his career. He shares, “I would say the bulk, or close to 70 percent of our facility suffers from mental health versus maybe they had it 20 years ago, but it just wasn’t as prevalent as it is today or talked about as much as it is today.” In his words, a large majority of people in the facility are affected by mental health concerns, and it has become a defining issue for the jail system today.

Bobbi Douglas agrees, sharing that the jail system has essentially become the frontline of treatment. She describes jails as “de facto addiction and mental health treatment centers” because so many people with serious needs end up behind bars rather than in supportive care environments. Both leaders highlight that many individuals experience both mental health and substance use disorders at the same time, making coordinated intervention essential.

This is why the work inside jails must be intentional. As Bobbi explains, every touchpoint matters. “If we can stabilize someone now, we increase their chances of long-term recovery and reduce the likelihood they’ll return to the system.”

A Shared Vision for Success

Sheriff Ballinger is driven by a clear vision. Success, for him, means fewer people returning to the system and more individuals leaving the jail prepared to take control of their lives. His approach prioritizes accessible education, mental health support, and opportunities for individuals to see themselves as capable of growth.

One example he is especially proud of is the introduction of inmate tablets. He calls them one of his “favorite talking points,” not because of the technology itself, but because of what it represents. The tablets offer more than 900 free classes ranging from parenting and money management to carpentry and plumbing.

Sheriff Ballinger hopes to launch a credit system and graduation ceremony soon, something he believes shows people that they have a support team cheering them on. “Even if those certificates don’t lead directly to employment,” he explains, “the ceremony gives them a moment to feel seen. It shows that we care about their success.” For many individuals, this becomes the first step in believing that change is possible.

How OneEighty Supports Rehabilitation and Reentry

The Sheriff’s Office and OneEighty have worked together for more than 20 years. Sheriff Ballinger often emphasizes how vital that partnership is to rehabilitation: “Having treatment providers inside the jail gives people the best opportunity to connect with the services they need,” he says. “It’s a bridge to stability once they’re out.”

Our presence inside the jail continues to grow. A licensed professional clinical counselor completes full assessments to understand an individual’s needs, while our team works daily to introduce treatment, create reentry plans, and provide consistent support. One of the most impactful tools we provide is a warm handoff involving our peer supporters. Bobbi explains, “A peer supporter meets individuals the moment they’re released. They can walk them directly to treatment. That warm handoff is often the difference between relapse and recovery.”

This support doesn’t stop at the door. OneEighty staff and deputies sometimes visit individuals at home after overdoses or repeat arrests to encourage treatment before sentencing. These visits reach people in moments of fear and vulnerability, moments when connection matters most.

Supporting Those Who Serve: Mental Health and Resources for Deputies and Corrections Staff

Rehabilitation isn’t only for individuals in custody. Supporting the well-being of deputies and corrections officers is just as important. Sheriff Ballinger is working to ensure his staff receives Crisis Intervention Training, equipping them to respond safely to individuals in distress and effectively de‑escalate tense situations.

He also hired a full-time chaplain dedicated to the mental, emotional, and financial well-being of safety forces. This position led to the creation of Support 85, a peer support team consisting of trained first responders, clergy, and clinicians. They are available around the clock to respond to critical incidents and to support first responders in crisis.

Another valuable resource is Ohio ASSIST, a program designed for EMS, dispatchers, family members, retirees, professional staff, and sworn officers. It provides post critical-incident seminars for individuals exposed to trauma, helping them process and recover in a healthy way.

The Sheriff believes these resources are essential for keeping staff mentally healthy, skilled, and supported as they navigate an increasingly complex work environment.

A Community Issue That Requires a Community Solution

Both Bobbi and Sheriff Ballinger hope that this partnership inspires broader community involvement. They agree that long-term success will be measured by a decrease in repeat offenses, stronger reentry outcomes, and improved well-being for families.

Bobbi hopes to see people leaving jail with stable housing, food security, and employment so they can provide for themselves and their families. The Sheriff hopes to see greater willingness among local businesses to hire individuals with criminal histories, explaining that work provides purpose, structure, and an opportunity for hope.

Both leaders also want to change a common misconception. Many people believe that rehabilitation efforts inside the jail “don’t work,” but Sheriff Ballinger disagrees strongly. “We see lives change every day,” he says. “Compassion, structure, and support absolutely make a difference.”

Strengthening Partnerships and Reducing Recidivism

As this collaboration grows, OneEighty and its community partners are united in their commitment to expanding services, improving assessments, and creating clear pathways for individuals returning home. Together, we share one goal: to build a community where fewer people return to jail, more families remain intact, and every person has access to the care they need.

At OneEighty, we believe none of this work happens alone. Our strongest link is the collaboration among organizations in our community. We are deeply grateful for each partner working alongside us to support individuals and families throughout Wayne County.

Our Community Partners

• Anazao
• Counseling Center
• Startzman Clinic
• Mental Health and Recovery Board