As the nation focuses on mental health during Mental Health Awareness Week, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart announced Tuesday, May, 19 clinical psychologist Dr. Nneka Jones Tapia will be the new executive director of the Cook County Jail. Tapia testified in front of the city council last year when she warned Mayor Emanuel and other city leaders to not close mental health clinics as the jail was becoming the “dumping ground” for patients who needed assistance. Tapia’s advice was ignored and six mental health clinics were axed by the city.
