HUTCHINSON, Kan. — During the Reno County Commission meeting Tuesday, the county issued a proclamation for the Stepping Up program at the Reno County Correctional Facility in an effort to reduce the number of people with mental illness in the county jail facility.

Lisa Gleason with United Way of Reno County was before the commission Tuesday to accept the proclamation, along with others involved in the program.

She talked about the goals of this program:

 

But, that’s not all. Gleason says they want to make sure those with mental illnesses have some backing when they leave the facility:

 

Gleason says the proclamation shows that the community is behind the effort, meaning they can apply for grants to help offset the cost and possibly expand the program.