Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa will break ground this week on a new access center, a 7,400 square foot facility that will offer a unique opportunity to provide behavioral health services to south central Iowans experiencing mental health or substance use crises.
The concept of access centers has been studied in Iowa in recent years, is considered a best practice for persons with acute behavioral health issues, and was included in legislation signed in 2018 by Governor Kim Reynolds to address behavioral health shortages in Iowa. The goal is to divert individuals from accessing behavioral health services at more expensive, short-term locations such as emergency rooms or law centers.
Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa will provide a unique model that integrates access center services with primary care, pharmaceuticals, dental care, and other services as needed and requested by patients. This integrated model ensures ready access to necessary services and produces better health outcomes at lower cost.
WHO: Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa Access Center
WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony
WHEN: Friday, May 17, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: 219 W. Washington St., Osceola, IA 50213
About the Access Center:
Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa’s Access Center in Osceola will serve individuals in mental health crisis in south central Iowa, particularly in rural areas. Access centers provide assessment and stabilization for individuals who may have suicidal thoughts but do not need hospitalization. Access centers provide a safe, short-term place to stay while connecting people with existing services close to home. Access centers provide people the right level of care for their needs in a timely manner, while often maximizing local resources through diversions from unnecessary time spent in local emergency rooms and law centers.
