Island County earned an award recently for its efforts to fix problems in the jail which led to the death of a young man due to dehydration.

The county’s work and investment in cleaning up the jail started after inmate Keaton Farris, 25, died in the jail in 2015. The jail underwent internal and external reviews and recommendations for changes that were implemented under the oversight of a community take force, according to the county’s award application.

The National Association of Counties handed the county an achievement award in the “criminal justice and public safety” category for improvements and development of an innovative program in the jail.

“With the collaboration of the Sheriff’s office, the Board of Commissioners, Mental Health and Public Health leadership and community volunteers, a very different jail program is now in place,” it states.

The county touted notable improvements. Inmates are now screened for mental and physical health upon intake; a full-time mental-health worker was hired; corrections deputies receive ongoing training in dealing with inmates who have mental health issues; medical and mental health records are more accessible; and inmates are connected with community services upon release.

About 80 percent of the people in the 58-bed jail at any given day suffer from a substance use disorder, a mental health disorder or both, according to the application.

“We cannot repay the loss of Mr. Farris,” the release states, “but with the strategic investments made in mental health care, physical health care, staff training, policy updates and community engagements, Island County’s Jail has improved outcomes for all current and future inmates struggling with mental health conditions.”