DES MOINES – Senator Amanda Ragan said this week that legislators in the Capitol are approving changes to Iowa’s sorry mental health services.
Ragan says an Iowa poll released earlier this year shows Iowa’s lack of adequate mental health services is a big concern for citizens.
To try to remedy the problem, Ragan explained, extensive bipartisan work established Iowa’s regional Mental Health and Disability Services (MHDS) system a few years back and this week, the Iowa Senate “approved the next step to providing the right services at the right time to those struggling with severe, complex mental health or substance abuse needs.
“HF 2456, based on recommendations from a Complex Needs Workgroup, adds more “core services” that the Mental Health and Disability Services regions must provide.”
These services include:
· Immediate short-term assessments for people who do not need inpatient psychiatric treatment.
· Comprehensive, 24-hour facilities that coordinate care for those with serious mental illnesses.
· Treatment teams that provide flexible help for those leaving an inpatient program.
Additionally, Ragan said, “the MHDS regions can work with transportation companies to get patients where they need to go. Currently, law enforcement or ambulance services do the transporting, which hampers their ability to respond to emergencies and do other important work.
“Finally, the bill will allow mental health professionals to share certain information with law enforcement that will help prevent tragedies that have become all too common when people can’t get the help they need.
“This summer, a committee will study how Iowa can pay for these and other improvements to ensure our mental health system can meet Iowa’s needs for the long term.”
She pushes it because she needs it.
Going to need it – lots of liberal demorats coming in from California – illegals and legal – worthless flesh taking up good earthly space.
Wow, your life must just be horrible! To be Velcroed to one political party so tight that your every thought has to be political. Your every waking moment is controlled by the political Republican Party… Sad sad sad!