Community Partners Celebrate Opening of Polk County Life Services Center

Des Moines, IA– On Wednesday, the Polk County Board of Supervisors formally inaugurated the Life Services Center with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event. This new facility represents an innovative approach to addressing the challenges faced by individuals facing addiction and mental health crisis.

The establishment of the Life Services Center is a collaborative effort involving Polk County, the City of Des Moines, Broadlawns Medical Center, and St. Vincent De Paul. The Life Services Center will function as a secure environment where individuals in need of treatment can receive necessary care. Historically, those grappling with substance abuse or mental health crises have often been transported to emergency rooms or incarcerated, neither of which is conducive to effective treatment.

Polk County Board Chair Angela Connolly stated, “We recognize that emergency rooms and jails are not appropriate settings for individuals in crisis. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) will bring individuals here to facilitate sobriety and access to necessary assistance. Our center will offer case management staff to support individuals in transitioning to the next phase of their lives if they seek help. We know that favorable outcomes typically happen only when service providers are co-located.”

The Life Services Center, located at 1914 Carpenter Ave. in Des Moines, is housed in a completely renovated building owned by Polk County. The City of Des Moines will split the operational costs of the facility 50/50 with Polk County. St. Vincent De Paul will provide case management personnel, while Broadlawns Medical Center will offer treatment services for individuals with addiction and mental health issues.

Broadlawns President & CEO, Proctor Lureman, adds, "As a healthcare provider, we recognize that effective care goes beyond treatment and discharge; it requires addressing the underlying issues individuals face. We are proud to be part of the Life Services Center, where our trained professionals provide immediate support in crisis, alongside case workers, to ensure ongoing access to the resources and support necessary for lasting recovery."

The opening of the Life Services Center comes at a crucial time, as our community has witnessed an increased demand for substance abuse and mental health resources. The repercussions of the pandemic, coupled with population growth, have significantly impacted the availability of existing services.

Supervisor Connolly says, "We understand that there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. It often takes multiple attempts for individuals to find the support they truly need. Sometimes, it’s only after hitting rock bottom that someone, with the support of their family or their own determination, decides they’ve had enough and wants to seek help to reintegrate into society as a contributing member. That’s why we have St. Vincent De Paul to assist with case management and Broadlawns staff on hand to act as social workers. With the Life Services Center, we have all the right resources in place; but ultimately, it’s up to the individual to choose the course of action to achieve the life they deserve to live.”

Live Stream: https://www.youtube.com/live/yARrmqToBgI