DES MOINES, Iowa — Changes are coming to Iowa's mental health system and the way it is ran. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law Wednesday that consolidates the state's 32 mental health districts into seven districts. It also includes substance use disorder services.
Reynolds says the current system is "disconnected", and this newer system will create a "unified behavioral health system" for the state.
"We lack clear access points for Iowans with disabilities," Reynolds said. "While the mental health regions are funded by the state, they're not aligned with the substance abuse disorder system."
Each of the new mental health districts will be governed by a state appointed entity, and the Department of Health and Human Services will provide necessary oversight.
"For the first time, we will have an intentionally planned system that includes, in statute, prevention treatment and recovery, it's phenomenal," said Kelly Garcia, director of Department of Health and Human Services.
Mental health advocates say they are grateful for the attention towards mental health, however, are cautious about the changes to come.
Ryan Crane, executive director of Iowa's National Alliance on Mental Illness told Local 5: "We are cautiously optimistic that the redesign will create better pathways to care for all Iowans. The specifics remain to be seen, but we are excited that the state is focusing on accountability, outcomes, and quality care."
Each mental health district will be required to provide a standard set of core services. Those standard services include a statewide system of prevention, education, early intervention, treatment, recovery support and crisis services related to mental health and addictive disorders.
"This is a monumental shift and a once in a lifetime opportunity," Garcia said. "I have team members tell me that they have waited their entire careers to work on this type of change."
The changes will go into effect July 1, 2025.