September 2022 Edition

Crisis Response News and More

Welcome to the September 2022 edition of the Southwest Iowa MHDS Regional Newsletter. In this edition we will share information about an upcoming drawing for those who help promote the Region. Finally, the Region will provide information about National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and changes to HOPE4Iowa crisis line.

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Southwest Iowa MHDS Region: Promotional Committee

The Region is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Drawing for promoting the Region.

The Region's Promotional Committee was developed in July 2021 to help educate individuals and families in our community about the work we have been doing for the past 8 years and how to contact us for help. You can help us with this mission by displaying the flyer below at your office or in your community.

Take a picture of this flyer in or around your business and email the picture to Lonnie Maguire at lmaguire@swiamhds.org. Your name will be put into a drawing for a prize basket from the Region. One entry per person and we will draw one name on 10/14/22 at 9 am. The lucky winner will be contacted after the drawing by email.

Thank you for your continued support of the Southwest Iowa MHDS Region as we continue to expand and grow services to better serve our clients and families.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

In 2020, suicide was the twelfth leading cause of death for Americans, according to the CDC. And for people ages 10-34, it was among the top three causes of death.

"Many in our communities can become particularly overwhelmed, which leads to hopelessness," said Suzanne Watson, CEO, Southwest Iowa Mental Health & Disability Services Region. SWIA MHDS provides a responsive and welcoming system of support for overall mental wellness.

"Knowing there is help can reduce suicide rates. People who have thoughts of suicide often feel relief when someone talks to them in a caring way. Acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideas," continued Watson.

September is also National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. SWIA MHDS wants everyone to know that suicide is preventable. The organization remains dedicated to informing communities about the importance of suicide prevention every day of the year. There are ways to protect against suicidal thoughts and behaviors, such as support from family and community or feeling connected. In addition, many people find talking can alleviate painful suicidal thoughts and feelings. Access to in-person or virtual counseling or therapy can also help with suicidal thoughts and behavior.

For the past 8 years, the Region has funded the HOPE4IOWA Crisis Call Line operated by Boys Town. The contract with Boys Town will be ending 9/30/22 and will be rolled over to Your Life Iowa as of Oct 1. The Region has been working with both crisis call lines to make this a smooth transition. The phone number will now be answered by Your Life Iowa as the region's promotion of the line transitions to Your Life Iowa and or 988.

988 is an easy number to remember and the new number for the National Suicide Hotline. The Region will promote this line for people to access in times of crisis.

In addition, Your Life Iowa provides free, confidential support and connects you to resources meant to help you get your life back on track when derailed by alcohol, drugs, gambling, suicidal thoughts or mental health.

Available 24/7 at (855) 581-8111 or text (855) 895-8398.

Have a question? You can also live chat with a representative on yourlifeiowa.org

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please dial 911.

Please join us for trainings!

Please check out the many trainings that are being offered on our Southwest Iowa MHDS Region Event page. Many of these trainings are free of charge and are Evidenced Based Practices. You don't want to miss this opportunity! Click here for more information.

The SWIA MHDS Region's Crisis Stabilization Services

Mental Health Crisis Response Team

Provides multiple crisis service

Precommital screening for residents of the SWIA Region

Assessments for court ordered committals

Telehealth Crisis Response available to SWIA Region residents. Services include assessment, stabilization and referrals to community services. This service can only be initiated by Law Enforcement

These services are expanding into all counties in the Region

For further information, Law Enforcement can contact Jenny Stewart (Director) at 712-325-5619

"To avoid the need for an Emergency Protective Custody hold or inpatient psychiatric hospitalization"

Service provided by Heartland Family Service

Harbor Point Crisis Stabilization Residential Service (CSRS)

Call (712) 850-1389 to make a referral

Referrals accepted 24 hours a day

A screening set up within 24 hours

Accepts referrals from friends, family, emergency departments and outpatient providers

Accepts referrals from Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie and Shelby counties

"Provides a safe, caring, and home-like environment to those with a mental illness in crisis while modeling skills needed to successfully navigate in the community"

Service provided by Zion Integrated Behavioral Health Services

Harbor Point CSRS

988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be:

Thoughts of suicide
Mental health or substance use crisis, or
Any other kind of emotion distress

People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.

Your Life Iowa provides free, confidential support and connects you to resources meant to help you get your life back on track when derailed by alcohol, drugs, gambling, suicidal thoughts or mental health.

Available 24/7 at (855) 581-8111 or text (855) 895-8398.

Have a question? You can also live chat with a representative on yourlifeiowa.org

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please dial 911.