Mobile Crisis Response service now online

WASHINGTON — The newly formed Mental Health Agency of Southeast Iowa launched its mobile crisis response service on Wednesday, according to officials involved in its planning. Provider company Elevate has described the program as, “On-site, in-person intervention for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.”

Organizers have called the service a supplement and possible alternative to police responses for mental health emergencies, accessible by calling 988 (instead of 911) during a “behavioral health emergency.” The service can also be reached directly by calling 855-581-8111.

Washington County Supervisor and MHASEI Board Chair Jack Seward Jr. said the service would meet a major need in the region.

“You call 988, and you’ll go through some screening questions and, if appropriate, there’ll be an actual person that will come to wherever you’re at to try to connect you with whatever you need,” he said at a supervisor meeting Tuesday morning. “It’s just part of the things that we’re continuing to roll out in the mental health field.”

The new crisis response team covers the nine counties previously in the Southeast Iowa Link region, according to Seward, who said the role was already filled in the rest of the now 13-county group.

“The other counties around Ottumwa already have services provided by another contractor,” Seward said in an email. “It will be determined later as the merger continues as to who will provide services in the entire new region.”

A brochure distributed by MHASEI said the service had a response time of one hour or less after being dispatched, and that the company would reach out 24 hours after an operation to make sure callers were connected to the help they needed.

The service also runs at no cost to its users.

“This service is funded by the Mental Health Agency of Southeast Iowa Region,” the brochure said. “We will ask you for your insurance information if your coverage includes reimbursement for crisis service but there will be no out of pocket cost to you.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com