Following many tragedies, like the recent shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the subject of mental health is discussed.

In Guthrie County, Heart of Iowa Community Services (HICS) offers a variety of programs for those needing assistance in mental health. These programs cover mental and intellectual disabilities as well as those suffering from depression and anxiety.

Another program serves incarcerated individuals. HICS CEO Darci Alt explains how the program, that is aimed at reducing recidivism, works. “If somebody comes in and we know that they have a mental health issue, or express that they have a mental health issue, they’re able to see a psychiatrist through TelePsych and we’re able to get them medications. We utilize Dowd Drug in Guthrie Center. What that means is we can continue their prescriptions after they leave the jail. We’re also able to get them into substance abuse treatment.”

The incarceration program began in Dallas County in 2009 and was expanded regionally shortly thereafter. To hear more on mental health programs in Guthrie County, listen to tomorrow’s Let’s Talk Guthrie County program.