As concerns with the growing number of suicide attempts in the Mecklenburg County Detention Center continue to heighten, the sheriff’s office reaffirmed its commitment to resident safety in a press release on Tuesday. 

The release says there have been 15 incidents this year alone, just four short of the total attempts reported for 2023. Despite this, Sheriff Garry McFadden is said to remain confident in the ability of the detention center to save lives. 

This response comes just weeks after a lawsuit was filed on behalf of Karon Golightly, an inmate who died of cardiac arrest in 2021. The lawsuit says his death occurred in an almost 90-minute gap in safety checks and resulted from either taking the medications of other inmates or an overdose.

The lawsuit alleges negligence from the sheriff and health care provider Wellpath, which terminated its contract with the jail in May.

VitalCore Health Strategies has since taken over health care services in the jail. The press release says their services are tailored to the needs of each individual, and claims “residents receive treatment on par with community standards.”

McFadden also encourages family members to visit loved ones in the detention center, which he says strengthens relationships and improves mental health outcomes. 

“We will continue prioritizing resident safety and well-being and remain steadfast in our mission to continue providing the highest standard of care within the detention center,” the sheriff said.  

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or live chat at [988lifeline.org]988lifeline.org.