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Linn County mental health access center reports steady stabilization, opens withdrawal-management program
Summary
County mental-health director Erin Foster told supervisors that walk-ins and referrals dipped in Q2 FY26, acuity rose, and the access center opened a withdrawal management program in partnership with Abbey Community Mental Health Center; supervisors praised a 9.2/10 service rating and urged continued state advocacy.
Erin Foster, director of the Linn County Mental Health Access Center, briefed supervisors on the center's Q2 FY26 report covering Oct. 1–Dec. 31, 2025. She said seasonal patterns produced lower walk-ins and law-enforcement and EMS referrals during the winter quarter, even as the acuity and complexity of people seeking help increased.
Foster described ongoing state-level discussions after the behavioral-health realignment, including state assessments by Iowa HHS and Iowa PCA and a legislative focus on subacute services. She said Iowa currently has about 28 subacute beds statewide and noted barriers that limit utilization; Foster added that the access center participates in statewide advocacy to expand reimbursement and program coverage.
On services, Foster reported high post-discharge survey response rates (about 90% for inpatient-level services and roughly 65% for triage) and an overall satisfaction score of 9.2 out of 10. "We really, really use this to build up staff," Foster said, citing written comments from service users and staff recognition. Supervisors commended the rating and thanked staff.
Foster also announced the center has opened a withdrawal management program (a medically supported step-down service) with Abbey Community Mental Health Center holding the license. She described the program as "highly medical," noting on-site medication capability and a medical director; initial admissions are limited while nursing coverage for weekend hours is being finalized.
Supervisors offered to coordinate advocacy with the county's lobbyists in Des Moines and highlighted the center's role in diverting people from emergency rooms and jails. Foster urged continued collaboration with other access centers statewide to preserve innovation while promoting equity in services across districts.
The board thanked Foster and asked her to coordinate with county legislative contacts as state policy discussions continue. No formal action was required; the presentation concluded with supervisors encouraging staff to continue implementation and outreach.
