Supporting a Healthier Iowa THE BLN COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM HELPS FUND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH PROJECTS AROUND THE STATE.
IN A TYPICAL YEAR, about one in five Iowans, or around
600,000 people, are affected by a mental health challenge. With the stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic, the estimates are now closer to one in four Iowans, according to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Iowa. NAMI Iowa also notes the state’s critical lack of mental health providers and services. Reports show 89 of Iowa’s 99 counties are federally designated as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas by the Health Resources and Services Administration. MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS
The NAMI Southeast Iowa affiliate based in West Burlington addresses mental health needs in its region. To help meet an increasing demand for services, the organization applied for and received funding from the College of Public Health’s Business Leadership Network (BLN) 2021 Community Grant Program. The affiliate serves the Iowa counties of Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lee, Louisa, Van Buren, and Washington. Much of this area is rural, where accessing quality mental health care can be difficult.
12 SPRING 2021 INSIGHT
“The pandemic has caused an increase in anxiety, depression, and suicide. Many people have a poor understanding of what mental illness is and how to cope with it, whether in a loved one or themselves,” wrote Terri Elliott, chair of NAMI Southeast Iowa, in the grant application letter. The organization will use the grant to conduct evidence-based mental health education classes in each of the eight counties it serves. “The purpose of these classes will be to help reduce stigma and increase knowledge and coping skills related to mental illness,” Elliott wrote.
IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE
The courses can also improve participants’ adherence to treatment and quality of life, Elliott added. “Ultimately, we hope that these classes reduce the number of people who feel alone as they cope with mental health conditions. It should help reduce suicide rates and reduce rates of hospitalization for mental health conditions.” The classes will be led by volunteers who have received NAMI training. The classes are free for participants, and the BLN Community Grant funds will cover the cost of advertising, student manuals, and teaching materials.
