URBANDALE, Iowa — Gov. Kim Reynolds held her weekly press conference at the Iowa Behavioral Health Association in Urbandale to announce $50 million in CARES Act funding coming to the state for mental health services.
$30 million will go to Iowa's mental health regions and to "help cover the increased needs" for services, while $20 million will be allocated to mental health and substance abuse providers to cover "increased costs" during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Our mental health providers have really stepped up to the plate to deal with increased demand and the need to accelerate plans for telehealth," Reynolds said. "Bringing critical mental health services online. Literally, online."
When asked if her administration believes mandating face masks would be appropriate for certain parts of the state, she noted that any measures by local health officials should be aligned with Iowa Department of Public Health guidance.
"We believe that when the Public Health Disaster Proclamation is in effect, unless the local government's declaration or proclamation is consistent with the state proclamation, unless it's consistent, then it's not appropriate," Reynolds said.
TestIowa has seen a steady uptick in testing, with Reynolds stating that 21% of all tests in Iowa have been through the program.
"While our volume of tests are in good supply, we are considering different ways to adjust operations at some of our testing sites and at the State Hygienic Lab so that we can further expand capacity and meet the demands of Iowans who want to be tested."
A new TestIowa clinic site will open in Algona on Wednesday, the governor's office announced in a release.
Hours for the site this week are as follows:
- Wednesday, July 8: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Thursday, July 9: 1-4 p.m.
- Friday, July 10: 8:30-10:30 a.m.
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WATCH: Gov. Kim Reynolds' full press conference from July 7, 2020