Sheriff's officers across the state say there aren't enough beds for Iowa's mentally ill, and some lawmakers are joining their cause.
David Hepperly, Chief Deputy in Cerro Gordo County, says they've had officers driving all over the state to find psychiatric patients help. At the same time, Governor Terry Branstad plans to close two of Iowa's four mental health hospitals.
Below I-80, after they close these institutions, there aren't even enough beds at private hospitals. It seems as if anyone who would need acute level care should be prepared for a long ride. - Rep. Dave Heaton
Facilities in Mt. Pleasant and Clarinda have been told to start laying off workers at the end of this month, but some Iowa lawmakers are not on board with the governor's plan. Rep. Dave Heaton (R) from Mt. Pleasant says he thinks the decision is premature.
“One of the things that concerns me is that even if you look at private hospitals at the number of acute psychiatric beds they offer, if you look at Interstate 80, below I-80, after they close these institutions, there aren’t even enough beds at private hospitals. It seems as if anyone who would need acute level care should be prepared for a long ride.”
During this River to River segment, Heaton talks with host Ben Kieffer. Senator Amanda Ragan (D) from Iowa’s 27th District and David Hepperly, Chief Deputy for the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office also join the conversation.
Hepperly says officers in his department have driven patients in need of psychiatric care across the state to get help.
