United Way on today's news of deficit in mental health services

With today's news that Linn County faces a $5.3 million deficit for mental health services, United Way of East Central Iowa is concerned that Eastern Iowans will be vastly underserved.

“We know that one in four people potentially have a mental health issue,” said United Way CEO Lois Buntz. “With cuts in state funding to Linn County it's becoming more and more important for the public to get involved. Their dollars are needed more than ever today.”

United Way of East Central Iowa partners with almost 40 agencies in Linn, Iowa, Benton, Jones, Cedar and Washington counties, including a handful that provide mental health services.

A couple of highlights:

• $1.2 million currently supports mental health and substance abuse programs.
• United Way agencies served more than 18,000 people with mental health needs in fiscal 2011.
• Services helped improve people's level of anxiety and depression, which then improves the way they function at home and work.

“As you can see we are deeply invested in creating a healthy community, but we can only do it with your help,” Buntz said.

More context:

http://easterniowagovernment.com/2011/09/26/linn-county-faces-5-3-million-deficit-for-mental-health-services/