House of Correction in Middlesex opens first unit for vets

[unhappycamper]

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/local_coverage/2016/03/house_of_correction_in_middlesex_opens_first_unit_for_vets



Gov. Charlie Baker, left, and Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian unveiled a correctional housing unit for veterans yesterday.

House of Correction in Middlesex opens first unit for vets
Erica Moura Friday, March 18, 2016

Gov. Charlie Baker and Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian unveiled the state’s first correctional housing unit designed for veterans and say they hope that it’s a model that can be transferred to other jails.

“We want to create something and hopefully have it replicated and help perfect it,” Koutoujian said yesterday at the Housing Unit for Military Veterans at Middlesex House of Correction in Billerica.

“They have unique needs stemming from their service,” said Koutoujian while giving Baker a tour of the facility. “This unit provides the specialized treatment they deserve.”

The HUMV is a voluntary unit that has a strict vetting process before inmates are 
allowed in.

[MADem]

1. Jeez. Why not try to help keep vets OUT of jail!

This poor guy should have gotten help for his painkiller jones before he started stealing to get drug money:

Valdivia, 35, served in the Army from 1998 to 2006 with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He had multiple surgeries for injuries caused by a bomb, became addicted to painkillers and then turned to heroin, he said. He was convicted of breaking and entering and larceny, and has served 19 months on his sentence with 49 days left.

It's a shame.


You know what blows my mind? This guy served way more time than the guy who crashed his car at high and negligent speed, just under the legal alcohol limit, into my relative's vehicle, resulting in instant death.

[unhappycamper]

2. The military/VA is responsible for much of this problem.

Somebody gets hurt and s/he gets painkillers without any thought to long term effects. There is neither follow up counseling nor taper-down drugs to help wean the new addict.

[MADem]

3. Agree with all you said. nt