31 May 2024 – Mental health is increasingly on the legislative agenda, receiving bipartisan support. Yet, how often are impactful bills being passed in Congress to effect real change? KTIV’s Taylor Deckert delves into the efforts of advocates and elected leaders in Siouxland to address this critical issue.
Kerri Hall, Government Relations/Advocacy & Early Childhood Director with Siouxland Human Investment Partnership (SHIP), emphasized the need for collective action. “How do we fix this, and who else has to be at the table, until we can?” Hall asked, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.
Throughout the month, reports have highlighted the overburdened emergency rooms, streets, schools, and businesses in the Tri-State area. “It’s hard to watch my colleagues suffer that way. The helpers need help now,” Hall noted, stressing the difficulties faced by those providing mental health services without adequate training or resources.
SHIP has spearheaded community discussions at the Mental Health Forums, bringing local political leaders into the conversation to address the dire situation in Siouxland. “I asked if our policymakers were aware of how horrific the situation was at our ER and in the hospital at Unity Point. They hadn’t talked to them yet. So, I wanted to create a space where that could happen,” Hall added.
According to the ‘Soliant 2023 Best States for Mental Health’ report, Nebraska ranks as the best state for mental health. Conversely, South Dakota data from a 2024 report indicates that nearly one in four adults have a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder. Iowa, however, ranks 51st in the United States for the number of state psychiatric beds, with only two per 100,000 residents, according to Iowa’s Department of Health and Human Services.
Iowa Representative J-D Scholten underscored the need for increased funding. “Funding is the most obvious answer that we need to be doing more of. In the state of Iowa, we are 51st in the nation in mental health beds per capita. We shouldn’t be last in anything,” Scholten said, emphasizing the bipartisan nature of the issue.
Ryan Allen from Lumion Therapy pointed out that both programs and providers are essential. “Until those two things happen, the need is going to outpace our capacity to meet it,” Allen warned, noting the critical situation regarding youth mental health and the suicide epidemic.
Senator Joni Ernst, a member of the Senate Mental Health Caucus, has focused on mental health throughout her political career. “We intend to collaborate and work with other partners on mental health, providing resources, ideas, and best practices in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies,” Ernst explained.
In the U.S. House, South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson supports funding for mental health services. “I’m hungry to cut funding in so many areas where we are not getting a good return. When we save those dollars, it would be better to invest those back into behavioral health,” Johnson stated.
Gabriel Razcon Durazo, the Substance Abuse and Disorder Team Lead with Siouxland Mental Health, praised the legislative involvement. “Legislation is becoming more involved, which is a huge start. It brings awareness and acknowledges the services and resources available,” Durazo said.
Officer Valerie Rose from Sioux City Police echoed the need for state support. “Having more state sponsorship to get more mental health institutions to treat individuals with mental illness,” Rose suggested.
SHIP is organizing a Mental Health Expo on July 9th in Sioux City and will continue to host quarterly mental health forums until effective policies and actions are implemented. “The community is suffering, and it’s very noticeable everywhere. We really do need policymakers’ help at this point. We’re no longer asking for it; we’re pretty much begging for it,” Hall stressed.
Ryan Allen concluded, “The time is now, and this is a bipartisan issue. Everyone should support it. There’s no reason to politicize it because it helps everyone in our community.”
As this series on Mental Health in Siouxland wraps up, the conversations and efforts to address the crisis will continue.
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