The (Champaign) News Gazette reports that five of those deaths were suicides, including three in 2004. Others were related to medical conditions including Asthma and untreated diabetes, and complications related to withdrawal.

Sheriff Dan Walsh was elected in 2002. He says that over time it appears inmates have become sicker, including with mental health issues. He says it’s a reflection of both a trend in the jail population and society as a whole.

Walsh says he’s been working with county officials to find funding for a new facility to provide mental health services and detox services.

Authorities say the issue became further complicated by the unprecedented state budget impasse.