Jul 31, 2024

State promises clearly designated 'access points' for mental health, substance abuse treatment

Posted Jul 31, 2024 5:26 PM

(Radio Iowa) - By next July, Iowa's 13 treatment systems for mental health and the 19 networks that provide treatment for substance abuse and gambling addiction are to be unified and streamlined.

The map officials have developed divides the state into seven districts and each district would provide mental health and addiction services. Iowa Department of Health and Human Services director Kelly Garcia says those district lines will impact providers -- but the map doesn't matter to patients, who'll be able to go anywhere for care.

Garcia says another key part of the new system will be clearly designated "access points" for care.