With so much uncertainty right now, it can be reassuring to look forward to positive aspects of the future. One bright light during this time is plans for the Mental Health Access Center are moving forward. Although the Access Center was notified it will not receive all funding requested from the East Central Mental Health Region, the work to move Linn County closer to being able to reach the needs of those with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder has not slowed down.
Construction inside the previous Linn County Public Health building, which will become the Mental Health Access Center, started in February. Committees have been formed to work on operation plans including policies and procedures regarding medical protocol, financial protocols, and general policies that will provide guidance for the four providers within the Center. Other committees are creating outcome matrices that will allow Linn County to continually monitor outcomes and consistently evaluate and make changes to policies and procedures as they arise. Finally, an additional committee is creating a strong community engagement plan that will work to educate the community on signs and symptoms of a mental health and substance use disorder crisis and how to utilize the Mental Health Access Center.
With the current uncertainty of the Covid-19 Crisis, the Mental Health Access Center Executive Team aims to keep the development on track, but they also understand the demands of the current crisis may take precedence for the Executive Team and the community. While the crisis is evolving rapidly, the mental health of our community continues to be a priority now and in the future. Stay tuned for more updates!
Photo courtesy of The Cedar Rapids Gazette.