HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — The Baker Street Jail now has a wing dedicated to inmates who require frequent medical attention, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Leaders say this medical area is the first of its kind in Harris County.
The move comes after years of criticism over jail safety. Records show 20 people died in jail custody in 2025, double the number who died in 2024. Two inmates have already died in 2026.
“The staff is not trained, therefore we need an additional facility,” said Jacilet Griffin.
Griffin’s son, Evan Griffin Lee, died in jail custody in 2022.
Since then, she has been an advocate for jail safety.
The sheriff’s office has now confirmed that it has already moved 200 inmates into a new housing area with 960 beds.
The sheriff’s senior policy and communications advisor said the new medical wing, operated by Harris Health, is for inmates who need insulin, have high blood pressure, are going through detox, or are geriatric.
The idea, he said, is to keep inmates with chronic health conditions from constantly having to be taken to the main medical clinic.
Officials presented the plan at the Texas Jail Commission’s latest meeting.
Harris County’s dashboard shows that out of the jail’s nearly 8,500 inmates, 16% are homeless, and 77% have been flagged for mental health issues.
“In the beginning, it was very dark,” Griffin said. “Now, I see a lot of light shining up on the situation that took my son’s life and so many others that we are here trying to advocate for.”
No word on how many more people would have to be hired for this change, but, according to the sheriff’s office, the point is to streamline operations so costs don’t go up.
This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.