County gets update on regional MH/DS services

Board of Supervisors
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     Mae Hingtgen, the CEO of the Mental Health/Disabilities Services East Central Region, provided an update to the Jones County Supervisors concerning the work the region has done throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and plans for the near future.

     Supervisor Wayne Manternach serves as chairman of the MHDS governing board. The region consists of nine member counties, including Jones County.

     “The last seven months have been busy,” noted Hingtgen.

     The biggest project has been updating the region’s strategic plan, preparing a budget, and identifying new values for the region.

     “It’s been a collaborative effort to build those values,” said Hingtgen.

     In building a consistent brand, the region designed a new logo, color scheme, and website.

     Hingtgen said she wanted to present people with a strategic plan that was easily to follow, easy to understand.

     “It’s a workable document because we have a unique structure,” she said. “But it tells people what they need to know, what we’re all about as a region.”

     The governing board also developed new vision and mission statements.

     When it comes to the set of values the region holds, Hingtgen said the region can measure how well it’s doing based on those values.

     “We can hold ourselves accountable,” she said.

     The region’s goals are more broader statements.

     One of those goals is “access,” which Hingtgen said could mean a variety of things such as transportation barriers and access to mental health services in a timely manner.

     “Array of services” means the region complies with Iowa law in terms of the MH/DS services is has to offer clients, both adults and children.

     “Access centers,” of which there will be two in the East Central Region (in Linn and Johnson counties), also allows for “access hubs,” notes Hingtgen. She said Benton County anticipates opening a hub that meets the needs of people in that part of the region who can’t travel to Linn or Johnson counties.

     “It meets people’s needs, connects people to services, and makes referrals,” explained Hingtgen.

     Supervisor Ned Rohwedder asked about rumors of an access center in Dubuque County. Hingtgen said she does not foresee that happening.

     “Dubuque County is a great place for an access hub,” she clarified. “But the conversation is ongoing.”

     Rohwedder said it’s quite a ways for Dubuque County residents to travel to Linn or Johnson access centers.

     Hingtgen explained that you have to think about the services an access center provides and are available to people in a particular geographic area versus the brick and mortar building.

     “Fiscal responsibility” is the region’s responsibility to the taxpayers of the region who help fund its services. It also refers to those who need the support of the region.

     “We set a per capita (number) in January, per Iowa Code,” continued Hingtgen. “We balance that with what people need across the region.”

     The region is comprised of small and large counties such as Dubuque and Delaware. Hingtgen said it’s a great mix, but they need to continue to determine the needs of each county and “get those needs met.”

     The region’s priory initiatives are set by the region governing board in May of each year, before the start of the fiscal year, but after the legislative session ends.

     “These are our action steps, our marching orders,” said Hingtgen. These might entail immediate needs that can be addressed, low-hanging fruit the region could address sooner rather than later.

     The 14 initiatives are organized into priority tiers.

     Hingtgen said they need to continue to strengthen its partnership and collaborate with school districts across the region.

     “So they are aware of our services,” she said.

     Thanks to CARES Act funding, the region is investing a portion of the $5.7 million it was awarded to work with schools and expand services. That includes funding student and staff brain health programs within the schools.

     In terms of the region’s budget, Hingtgen said per Senate File (SF) 504, a MH/DS region can’t have more than 40 percent of its fund balance by the end of FY22. If it goes over 40 percent, that impacts the levy for FY24.

     “Jones County is in really good shape,” she reported. “Because of the pandemic, we’re not spending money like we traditionally have. We’re spending it differently, but not like we thought.”

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