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New court, dental programs to help mentally ill

courtTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — People with mental illness will be offered two new programs in Topeka beginning in January.

An alternative sentencing court run through the Topeka Municipal Court will allow mentally ill people who committed relatively minor crimes to be released from a jail earlier if they comply with a treatment plan. The program also will offer employment, housing and substance abuse help.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports  the second program will provide dental services to the mentally ill who don’t have dental insurance.

It’s being offered through a partnership between Valeo and Community Health Ministry. Valeo CEO Glea Ashley says many people with mental health disorders have not had routine health care for some time and have more advanced problems.

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