A policy concerning injured persons being admitted to the county prison was discussed at the monthly meeting of the Schuylkill County Prison Board held Thursday at the courthouse in Pottsville.

President Judge William E. Baldwin, chairman, spoke on the subject. He said he has asked for imput on how other counties handle the matter. It involves persons arrested who have been injured, either in a scuffle with police, or by other means.The policy the board discussed was if the person brought to the prison for admission had injuries he would not be admitted but ordered sent to a hospital for treatment. The policy involves payment for the treatment. Once admitted into the prison the hospital costs fall on the county. However, by refusing the costs either fall on the individuals or on the borough or township whose police officers make the arrest. The arrested individual would be treated then admitted to prison.Other businessWarden Eugene Berdanier's report to the board showed the monthly cost of operating the prison was $394,063.31 and gave detailed reports on what work was done to keep the prison updated and in working condition. Some of the work included remodeling the women's restroom, repainting the gym, repairing the dishwasher and the razor wire which is on top of the perimeter wall surrounding the prison yard.Berdanier also reported attending a program sponsored by the Prison Ministry who advocated faith based programs pertaining to abuse from alcohol and drugs and attended a seminar on the new automated registration procedures.He reported currently three officers were on extended medical leave and two on restricted duty and one officer retired, Linda Neidig-Morgan. The prison population as of Thursday was 230 males and 51 females. Berdanier said because of the increase in female inmates room was becoming a problem.PrimeCare Medical Inc., which overseas the health care, reported 113 inmates were on sick call, 154 seen by psychologists, 32 by dentists and 19 were on suicide watch but no incidents occurred.All 20 work release beds in the prison were filled and 16 inmates participated in the vocational rehabilitation program.They work release inmates paid $3,242 for room and board and $1,290 towards their court costs. The vocational rehab program completed 21 jobs including helping 75 senior citizens referred by the Office Of Senior Service. Fourteen jobs were completed for the county.