AL SR66

Designates April 5, 2017, as Stepping Up Day in Alabama to recognize efforts to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in county jails.

Encourages Alabama counties to sign the Stepping Up initiative's Call to Action and commit to reducing the incarceration of people with mental illnesses.

Notes that approximately 2 million people with serious mental illnesses are booked into jails annually, with prevalence rates three to six times higher in jails than the general public.

Highlights that almost three-quarters of adults with serious mental illnesses in jails have co-occurring substance use disorders and tend to stay longer in jail with higher recidivism rates.

Calls on county officials, employees, and residents to participate in the Stepping Up Initiative and share lessons learned with other counties statewide and nationally.