BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- The family of a 31-year-old woman who died by suicide hours after being taken into custody is suing Kern County, alleging years-long issues at jail facilities -- including inadequate staffing and lack of prompt mental health care -- have resulted in multiple deaths. The family of Irene Rivera has filed suit in federal court "to bring to public light the deliberate disregard for safety and protection" at the county's correctional facilities, according to the filing, which is listed on the agenda of next week's meeting of the Board of Supervisors. The Kern County Sheriff's Office, the county and Sheriff Donny Youngblood are among the defendants listed. "The defendants' deliberate indifference towards inmates and detainees suffering from mental health issues resulted in dozens of suicides since 2008," according to the suit. "Since 2008, 22 inmates have died by suicide within the county jails -- six of which occurred in 2023 alone." Rivera, mother to a young daughter, was arrested Sept. 10, 2023, and placed in a holding cell at the downtown jail. At 2:55 a.m., she was found hanging from a plastic bag that was wrapped around her neck and tied to the bars in her cell, according to the suit. Sugardaddy’s Women’s Boutique announces closure She was pronounced dead within an hour. The suit alleges jail staff didn't conduct "proper and timely" safety checks. "Irene Rivera's dire need for emergency medical intervention went unnoticed by the KCSO custody and medical staff, who were responsible for monitoring and ensuring the welfare of all inmates . . .," the suit says. An initial scheduling conference is set for December.