HELENA, Mont. (AP) - Montana officials say the state Department of Corrections is closing an infirmary that houses about two dozen inmates who are mostly elderly and have serious long-term medical conditions.
Department Director Reginald Michael said Thursday that July’s planned closure of the Lewistown infirmary is due to spending cuts ordered by state lawmakers to close a budget shortfall.
Department officials say 13 inmates with dementia and other serious mental health diagnoses are eligible for medical parole. Officials will look to place them in the state health department’s nursing care center that shares the facility.
They plan to move seven other inmates to the Montana State Prison. Three inmates will complete their sentences soon and be discharged.
Officials estimate the closure will save the department up to $2.7 million next year.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.