BARTOW, Fla. -- Polk Indigent Health Care has introduced Helping Hands, a new program aimed at helping former Polk County inmates get better access to mental health care and substance abuse programs.

The program caters to inmates who have had two or more arrests within the past 12 months and are currently receiving psychotropic medicine.

Participants will meet with Community Paramedics to help connect them with local behavioral health providers and provide medications. 

"By providing access to community paramedics, medication, and resources we believe participants'chances of being productive members of the community will increase," said Lance Anastasio, Chairman of the Citizens Health Care Oversite Committee.

Certified Recovery Peer Specialists will also be provided and will serve as mentors and and advocates to encourage participants along their treatment plans. Helping Hands is partnered with the Roots Program providing assistance for individuals with housing needs or facing homelessness.