Therapy Dog Provides Support to Bonneville County Inmates and Officers

Why would a jail benefit from a therapy dog? 

According to the American Psychological Association, 64 percent of jail inmates suffer from mental health issues. The presence of a therapy dog in lockdown facilities has been found to help lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and serve as a natural antidepressant. This benefit reaches to both inmates and the officers working in jail setting. Law enforcement agencies that have implemented a therapy dog program have reported increased recruitment, retention, and positive conversations regarding mental health. 

CHC Foundation was able to grant the funds to enable the Bonneville County Sheriff's department to  purchase a therapy dog to assist and support the mental health and wellbeing of both the jail's inmates and the officers working with them.