COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA, June 29, 2021 — With the goal of better serving the residents of the region, The Southwest Iowa Mental Health and Disability Services Region (SWIA MHDS) created a new website that features a tool that can provide immediate resource information.

“The region has continued its work with stakeholders to create systems that work,” said Suzanne Watson, CEO of the Southwest Iowa MHDS Region. “The new website, in particular, the Resource Connection allows immediate information for housing/shelters, disaster services, mental health/substance abuse, home health services and much more.”

The SWIA MHDS serves a nine-county area in the southwest corner of Iowa. The geographic area includes the Counties of Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby in the State of Iowa.

“Our plan is to improve health, hope, and successful outcomes for the adults in the region who have mental health disabilities and intellectual/developmental disabilities, including those with multi-occurring substance use issues, health issues, physical disabilities, brain injuries, and other complex human service needs,” said Watson.

Also featured prominently on www.SWIAMHDS.com is the HOPE4IOWA Crisis Call Line. Ginny Gohr, Director, HOPE4IOWA Crisis Call Line wants everyone to know that the HOPE4IOWA Crisis Call Line is available and can connect individuals in crisis to trained counselors who can guide the caller to various resources. The helpline is available 24/7. Gohr continued, “Seeking professional help when self-help efforts to improve your mental health aren’t working is a sign of strength, not weakness.”