Gazette Daily News Podcast: Monday, May 13, 2024

– Seeking long-term mental health treatment in Iowa

– Iowa schools draw fewer candidates for superintendent jobs

– Motherhood takes Cedar Rapids native to highest highs and lowest lows

Episode Transcript

Welcome to The Gazette’s Daily News Podcast for Monday, May 13, 2024. This podcast provides the latest headlines from the Gazette newsroom. I’m Becky Lutgen Gardner.

First, many Iowans struggle to find long-term mental health care.

Last year, Michael Schmitt, a recovering alcoholic and drug user, found himself in a desperate situation. Despite his motivation to recover, Schmitt struggled with finding the right support. He highlighted the challenges he faced, stating, "I'll start comparing myself to others, or I'll start thinking, ‘I can't do this or I'm not capable of doing this. This isn't for me.’”

Schmitt's experience is not unique. Many Iowans with mental and behavioral health issues face a lack of long-term care options, exacerbating their struggles. While resources like Iowa’s access centers have provided some relief, worker shortages and insurance gaps persist, hindering access to vital services.

To address these barriers, the Iowa Legislature recently passed a bill aimed at reforming the state's mental health system. Governor Kim Reynolds emphasized the importance of this bill, stating, “The behavioral health redesign will take Iowa’s fractured mental health and substance abuse regions and combine them into 7 unified districts, increasing access and quality of care.”

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Rural communities face difficulties accessing care, and children lack adequate support options. Additionally, the shortage of long-term acute care facilities leaves many individuals without the comprehensive care they need.

Laurie Mahoney-Willger's son is one of those individuals. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, he struggles to find consistent care and support. Mahoney-Willger highlighted the lack of residential care options, emphasizing the need for stable housing and access to treatment.

As Iowa works to overhaul its mental health system, advocates stress the importance of continued dialogue, investment in early interventions, and breaking down barriers to care. By providing a "brightly lit path" for individuals with mental illness, Iowa can offer hope and support to those in need.

To learn more about the state of mental health care in Iowa, take part in Iowa Ideas In-Depth Week, a series of virtual sessions exploring various aspects of mental health all this week. Join The Gazette and Presenting Sponsor ITC Midwest from 12-1 PM daily. Register now at iowaideas.com.

Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, help is available. Reach out to resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 988. Or Your Life Iowa, or Crisis Text Line for support.

Next, Iowa schools are facing a shortage of qualified superintendent candidates. Many leaders are retiring or leaving after short terms, making long-term planning difficult.

Eastern Iowa schools have seen a particularly high turnover rate. Cedar Rapids, Linn-Mar, Clear Creek Amana, and several rural districts all have new superintendents this year.

Nationally, the average superintendent tenure is 4-5 years. Search firms say Iowa used to see 70 applicants per opening, but now it's only 20-30.

There are several reasons for the shortage. Fewer people are entering school administration, and those who do tend to move on quickly. Financial challenges and teacher shortages are making the job less appealing.

Districts are looking for new strategies. Some are using search firms that focus on building relationships to find the "right fit." Others are considering "succession planning" to develop internal candidates.

There's also a debate about how long superintendents should stay. Some boards miss the stability of long-term leaders, while others worry a new leader's changes can disrupt the system.

The search for a new leader can be expensive, costing $8,000 to $35,000. It's also time-consuming. Central DeWitt is currently searching for a replacement for their superintendent who is resigning after 16 years.

Finding a qualified candidate who will stay for the long haul remains a challenge for many Iowa school districts.

Next, Emma’s Journey – a Mother’s Day story.

Cedar Rapids’ native Emmy Lee's experience as a mom has been a rollercoaster. Her daughter Crimson, born in November 2023, nearly died at 7 weeks old from Group B strep meningitis and sepsis.

Emmy's persistence saved her daughter's life. Despite being told it was a diaper rash, Emmy kept bringing Crimson back to doctors until a specialist diagnosed the critical illness.

Emmy recalled the doctors' sobering words: "Your daughter might not make it through the night." Crimson did survive and ended up spending months in the hospital but is now thriving and meeting her milestones. Emmy credits her own gut feeling and strong advocacy for her daughter's survival.

This ordeal has a tragic connection to Emmy's past. Her father also died from sepsis in 2019.

Emmy’s mission now is to raise awareness about Group B strep and encourage routine testing for newborns.

Finally, The Gazette wants you, our listener’s, to know The Gazette's Daily News Podcast will suspend production after Wednesday, May 15th. Thank you for listening. You can still get the latest local headlines from The Gazette by subscribing to our Daily News Briefing newsletter. The Gazette's On Iowa Politics podcast and newsletter are also great ways to keep up with all local and state political news. Or head to thegazette.com to get all the latest headlines.

Monday’s weather brings showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 10 a.m. High near 69. Monday night there’s still a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Low around 54. Tuesday there is a 20 percent chance of showers before 1 p.m. Otherwise it will be partly sunny with a high near 71.

You can find a link to today’s featured stories in this episode’s description. A full transcript of this episode can be found at thegazette.com.

Thank you for listening to The Gazette’s Daily News Podcast. I’m Becky Lutgen Gardner.

Comments: becky.gardner@thegazette.com