Ray County Sheriff Scott Childers declares the sheriff’s department “mental health village” ready. The village will have three 975-square-foot rooms dedicated to counseling, one outdoor bathroom and a debriefing building for mental health reasons. “I am very excited it’s available now. We have a therapist, a drug counselor and two social workers ready inside the buildings,” said the sheriff. “We want people to know there is available and affordable mental healthcare.” Childers said the money to build the village comes from a state-monitored account in which monies spent by inmates in the commissary are deposited. Childers is only allowed to spend monies on projects intended to help inmates. The sheriff said the assistance provided by professionals would not only benefit inmates but first responders and people of the community as well. To ask questions or to schedule an appointment, contact the sheriff’s office at (816) 290-5323.