The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office took over operational control of medical care at the Arlington County Detention Facility this week, fulfilling a longstanding goal.
Sheriff Jose Quiroz has long advocated for shifting to an in-house medical model at the jail that saw several in-custody deaths under a former provider. Under the change, which went into effect yesterday (Monday), medical staff will report directly to Chief Medical Director Dr. Richard Malish, whom the sheriff appointed to a newly created position this spring.
This is the first time that county-employed staff, rather than a private contractor, will directly manage medical care at the jail.
“I am incredibly proud of the steps we’ve taken to improve the health and well-being of those entrusted to my care,” Quiroz said in a press release. “This self-operated model ensures that medical care is provided by experienced professionals — people who understand our community, our mission, and our values. It’s about accountability, compassion, and excellence.”
Improving the well-being of people detained at Arlington County’s jail was a key campaign promise for Quiroz, who emphasized the need for better mental health outcomes and handling of substance-use issues prior to his election in 2023.
The sheriff’s office has recently added four additional members of the medical leadership team, all Arlington County employees reporting to Malish. The rest of the medical team will include 12 county positions of nurses and administrative staff, but “any additional positions will be temporarily staffed through a contracting agency,” the press release says.
The Jail Mental Health Team at the Arlington County Department of Human Services will continue its partnership with the sheriff’s office on physical and behavioral health care.
“Providing quality healthcare in a correctional setting is both a responsibility and a privilege,” Malish said. “This new structure allows us to elevate the standard of care, empower our medical team, and support the Sheriff’s vision of a holistic approach to a more rehabilitative environment.”
In a presentation to the Arlington County Board back in March, Quiroz underscored progress in improving various aspects of safety and quality of life at the jail, including reductions in turnover rate and the number of lockdowns. However, he noted that medical issues like withdrawal symptoms and mental health episodes continue to present significant challenges.
The sheriff argued at the time that adopting a “county-run, community-based model” — including the creation of the medical director’s position — helps provide higher-quality care.
The consulting firm Falcon Correctional and Community Services, Inc. has been overseeing the transition, helping the sheriff’s office implement changes to floor plans, workflows and policies to improve efficiency and patient outcomes, according to the press release.
“Sheriff Quiroz and Arlington County leadership anticipate that this change will improve healthcare quality, increase efficiency, and inspire innovation among medical staff while giving inmates the tools and optimism to promote lifelong health,” sheriff’s office said.
