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Candidates criticize behavioral health consolidation; call for local, high‑touch services
Summary
Both candidates said Iowa's consolidation of behavioral health regions has reduced local responsiveness. Kristen Dietzel called the regional model "inhuman" for some needs; Rick Dickinson said the change reduced services and should be revisited by state policymakers.
Forum panelists addressed changes to Iowa’s behavioral health structure, which consolidated 32 service regions into seven and placed management with Iowa Primary Care System.
Rick Dickinson described the reorganization as having "not worked," saying it reduced funding and local services for people with mental‑health needs. He cited personal family experience and urged revisiting the policy at the state level.
Kristen Dietzel said regionalization has not served residents well for a "high touch" issue that needs timely local access. "To think that someone can call Waterloo and that that's going to be effective is just wrong. It is inhuman," she said, arguing that centralized phone lines and websites are insufficient for many residents.
Both candidates urged stronger local attention to mental‑health services and support for local practitioners who already report being understaffed. Neither presented a detailed plan for restructuring services but emphasized the need for county‑level advocacy and pressure on state policymakers to restore resources.
