Senator McCoy: ‘This Plan Is Well Thought Out, Comprehensive, And Compassionate.’
Orchard Place CEO Anne Starr: ‘Orchard Place Is Glad To See Fred Hubbell Addressing The Critical Mental Health Needs Of Iowans.’
On Monday, Fred Hubbell, Democratic candidate for governor of Iowa, unveiled a mental health plan to address the growing mental health crisis in the state. As Iowans continue to suffer because of a failing mental health system caused by unilateral mental health institute closures by the Branstad-Reynolds administration, Medicaid privatization that has financially strapped providers, and an overall lack of support for community-based treatment and effective programming to stem the lack of mental health professionals, Fred has stepped up to propose real solutions to solve this crisis and get Iowans the care they deserve.
Now, Iowa leaders who deal with the mental crisis every day are praising Fred’s plan. Here are some of their reactions:
State Senator Matt McCoy, Des Moines: “Fred Hubbell’s mental health proposal is an excellent start at addressing the mental health crisis in Iowa. This plan is well thought out, comprehensive, and compassionate. I fully and enthusiastically support this plan.”
Anne Starr, CEO Orchard Place: “Orchard Place is glad to see Fred Hubbell addressing the critical mental health needs of Iowans.”
Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald, Story County : “Fred Hubbell’s plan is exactly what Iowa needs to address this crisis, and is a great example of why we need a strong leader who takes the initiative to find real solutions to the problems facing Iowans. Getting Iowans the mental health care they deserve improves public safety overall.”
Jon Rosmann, Non-profit Health Care Administrator: “The process Fred has undertaken to fully understand and address the challenges, shortfalls, and nuances of behavioral services in Iowa is impressive. This is a pragmatic and thoughtful strategy that could drastically improve services for both rural and urban communities alike.”
State Representative Bob Kressig, Cedar Falls: “Iowa’s current mental health care system is a mess and we need to address the shortage of services and providers in our state. We can make sure critical care access and early intervention are available to Iowans. I thank Fred Hubbell for his attention to this important issue.”
Sheriff Lonny Pulkabrek, Johnson County: “I have great confidence that Fred Hubbell will take quick, effective action on the deficiencies in our mental health system.”
Representative Mary Mascher, Iowa City: “I am very impressed with the way Fred Hubbell has jumped into this issue with a thoughtful approach and a keen eye on getting input from stakeholders from across the spectrum. This is a great plan.”
Dr. Bob Shaw, Des Moines Medical Doctor: “As a medical professional, I am very worried about the state of our mental health system and how it is failing to serve Iowans in need. I'm very glad Fred has stepped up to provide a plan that will deliver real results that are needed now more than ever."
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