Hunter
05/28/24
Iowa Health and Human Services Director Kelly Garcia says that Governor Kim Reynolds overhaul of the Behavioral Health system will make health care more accessible throughout the state.
Iowa Capital Dispatch reports Garcia answered questions from reporters on “Iowa Press” about the state’s new Behavioral Health Services System signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds earlier this month. It replaces the current Mental Health and Disabilities Services system of 13 regions and the state’s substance abuse treatment system of 19 regions, combining them into a new system of seven districts.
Garcia said the new setup will allow for more accountability measures and address issues with access more quickly.
Legislators did not increase funding for the program in this year’s session. Garcia said the department is planning to use the next year to determine funding needs.