The number of people booked into the Douglas County jail with serious mental illness dropped from 18% in 2014 to 10% in 2022 — and hit a low of 5.5% in 2018.

In November 2020, Brandon Scrimsher was sentenced to three months in the Douglas County jail.

The prospect of more time in jail was disheartening. Scrimsher, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, said his mindset and mental health sank.

“I really kind of got … the attitude of, you know, this really sucks and why try,” Scrimsher said. “Nothing’s ever gonna get better.”