Iowa City, IA- The GuideLink center in Johnson County is starting its third year of providing mental health and substance abuse treatment, and the data shows more walk ins than expected.
Radio Iowa reports that about 700 of the facility’s admissions came from law enforcement, while over 1,000 came from healthcare providers.
GuideLink’s Faraji Hubbard coordinates recovery at the center.
“Our first responders, our officials are able to connect with individuals who are struggling and they have that option to come to GuideLink,” Hubbard says, “and that is the gift.”
Hubbard says that instead of inadequate care, jail, or a trip to the emergency room there are options to get help.
Medical Director Monika Jindal says people are becoming more aware of these services and are making use of them.
“GuideLink was originally designed to be jail diversion and ER diversion, and I think we have done some of that,” Young says, “but I think a lot of what we’re seeing is that the pandemic certainly exacerbated mental health needs.”
Over the past three years, some 1400 people walked in for service.
