Polk County Mental Health and Disability Services (MHDS) Region Governing Board Awards $2 Million for Provider Assistance (7)

DES MOINES, Iowa – Recognizing the need to attract and retain a qualified healthcare workforce, the Polk County MHDS Region Governing Board  voted unanimously to allocate more than $2 million in funding for mental health and disability service providers.  These funds will be used to support providers in employee hires and incentives, as well as for physical upgrades to equipment and facilities.

The majority of the funds allocated ($1,951,812) will directly benefit workforce needs at 17 partner providers. Those partners employ a critical healthcare workforce including direct support professionals, mental health therapists, and nurses. The funds will be used for new hires and training as well as incentives and bonuses for healthcare employees currently on the frontlines of our mental health and healthcare workforce.

Polk County MHDS Region Board Chair Angela Connolly says, “We recognize that finding and retaining a quality workforce is very challenging for our mental health and healthcare providers at this time. Mental health issues, especially anxiety and depression are on the rise so utilization of mental health services has increased. Polk County wants to recognize the provider staff who often work long hours in difficult conditions and remain committed to provide the highest quality of care for some of our most vulnerable residents.”

Polk County MHDS Region also allocated an additional $100,000 for system and facility upgrades at six additional partner providers. The use of those funds will be used for numerous operational needs including; transportation vouchers for clients, training systems, a homeless management information system and operational supplies.

For a complete list of providers and fund distribution visit: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/umbraco/Api/BoardMinutesAttachmentsApi/GetAttachment?meetingId=2151&attachmentType=Resolution