Statewide, Iowa – This week marked first few days of operations for Iowa’s unified system for treatment of mental illnesses and substance abuse, along with services for Iowans with disabilities.
Marissa Eyanson (EYE-an-sun) is director of behavioral health for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. She says no service is ending today for any Iowan.
Critics and patient advocates say under the old system, Iowans did not have equal access to services. Thirty-two regions had provided a variety of assistance to Iowans with “behavioral health” issues like depression, anxiety or an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Your Life Iowa is a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week service that makes referrals for Iowans with concerns about things like drug or alcohol use, mental health issues or excessive gambling. It can be accessed by calling 9-8-8 or through the Your Life Iowa website.
Zach Rhein is director of aging and disability services for the Department of Health and Human Services. He says the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers are still places where Iowans with disabilities can go to find the services they need.
The state is paying the non-profit Iowa Primary Care Association to oversee the management and operations of all behavioral health services in each of the new system’s seven districts. The association has been overseeing Iowa’s 14 community health centers that serve low-income Iowans and those who lack access to primary or preventative care.
