Jail Gets New Medical Provider

Mental-health advocates expressed cautious optimism Tuesday as the county supervisors approved a contract with a new medical provider in the County Jail. California Forensic Medical Group (CFMG), the state’s largest provider, replaces Corizon Health Inc., which advocates criticized for years. Some remained skeptical CFMG will do much better as the organization has faced scrutiny and lawsuits elsewhere. But the new contract functions as another attempt by Sheriff Bill Brown to ramp up mental-health services for inmates. In the last year, Brown hired a grievance coordinator and convened an oversight committee. The new contract will cost an additional $2 million each year, mostly for staff and salary increases.