John,

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In honor of this important and often overlooked cause, I want to highlight some of the initiatives we’ve implemented to be more accommodating and mindful of mental health.

Here at MCSO, we strive to make mental health part of the equation in everything we do. We’ve instituted competency training for all MCSO deputies and officers to ensure that we are equipped to identify and properly serve those dealing with mental health crises.

We’ve also established MOSAIC -- a trauma-informed program to help inmates struggling with substance abuse -- in place of the infamous “Tent City” jail. The seven-week curriculum helps participants gain the skills to cope with past trauma and end their dependency on illicit substances, with the overall goal of reducing recidivism and providing a healthy foundation for a better life.

We are working hard to make progress for Maricopa County, which includes being aware of and prepared to handle issues of mental health in our community. If you support this important work, please consider making a donation to my reelection campaign today.

Thank you for standing with me as we continue to move Maricopa County forward.

-- Sheriff Paul Penzone