The state of Iowa needs to do more — not less — to ensure that all Iowans have access to mental health services.
Iowa law currently requires the state to maintain and operate four mental health institutes (MHIs) in Cherokee, Clarinda, Independence and Mount Pleasant. The facilities are located in four regions so that Iowans in need of acute mental health services don’t have to travel hours for help, and family and friends are better able to support their loved ones.
The Legislature appropriated sufficient funds to operate all four facilities during this current fiscal year and Gov. Branstad approved the appropriations. That means the Department of Human Services (DHS) must administer the facilities to the best of its ability and in good faith.
The governor’s unilateral decision to close the MHIs in Clarinda and Mount Pleasant undermines the state’s efforts to provide Iowans with critical services. Before the Legislature has even had a chance to weigh in on this issue, layoff notices have been sent to workers at Mount Pleasant, and both facilities have stopped accepting new patients.
The senate approved two bipartisan bills to address this situation. The senate passed SF 333, which requires the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) to admit eligible Iowans to the MHIs through the current fiscal year that ends June 30.
The Senate also approved SF 402, which sets up a process for DHS to develop and implement crucial community based mental health services. Services outlined in the plan and approved by the Legislature must be in place before we consider closing the MHIs. The plan must include input from stakeholders and experts, ensure that transitional services are offered without hurting quality of care, ensure local access to highly trained community and institutionally based care providers, and identify stable funding for new services.
The senate also is expected to approve several other bills to strengthen Iowa’s statewide mental health system this session.
Sen. Chaz Allen can be contacted during the week by calling the senate switchboard at 515-281-3371. Otherwise, he can be reached at 641-521-6297. Email him at chaz.allen@legis.iowa.gov.