DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) unveiled the boundaries for seven new behavioral health districts, following a state law designed to streamline access to mental health and substance use treatment services.
The law, signed by Governor Kim Reynolds in May, mandates the consolidation of Iowa’s 13 Mental Health and Disability Service regions with its 19 Integrated Provider Networks for addiction treatment. The new structure aims to enhance the delivery of behavioral health care by integrating these previously separate systems.
DHHS has released a map outlining the boundaries of the seven districts, which were developed after gathering input from stakeholders. Over the summer, the department hosted four sessions where more than 1,000 service providers, advocates, and individuals with lived experience contributed feedback.
Ryan Crane, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Iowa, acknowledged that local governments might have differing views on the new districts but emphasized the significance of the map as a foundational step in reforming behavioral health care. “The integration of substance use and behavioral health services is crucial,” Crane said. “It’s important that these issues are addressed concurrently.”
Although the districts have been established, the new system is not yet operational. By the end of the year, Iowa is required to contract with an administrative services organization for each district. Additionally, each district will have an advisory council to incorporate stakeholder input.
DHHS Director Kelly Garcia stated in March that the boundaries are not intended to restrict access to services but to ensure equitable distribution across the state. “The goal is to remove boundaries so Iowans can access services from providers of their choice without being concerned about district lines,” Garcia said.
The new system will consolidate current funding for mental health and substance use disorder treatment into a single behavioral health fund managed by DHHS. The department has until July 1, 2025, to implement the new behavioral health framework.
The restructured system aims to provide Iowans with more coordinated and accessible care, aligning mental health and substance use treatment under a unified approach.
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