OTTUMWA, Iowa (KYOU) – State data reports Wapello County has one of the worst mental health provider shortages in Iowa, with just one provider for every 540 people.
Residents report five poor mental health days a month, above the state average.
Jordan Beard, a care coordinator at Southern Iowa Mental Health Center, sees the impact firsthand. The center serves eight counties across southeast Iowa.
“A lot of people don’t fail because they don’t want to succeed. They fail because they don’t have the support, and our role is to be that support,” Beard said.
Since two primary care clinic closures, Beard said her caseload has felt the ripple effect, with an increase in patients within the past month.
“I mean, you get on Facebook and you’re seeing people like, anybody know any good clinics in town? Like, you know, I was at Mercy. They closed,” Beard said. “So, and I have patients come to me as a care coordinator. Hey, I don’t know where to go for primary care and asking for advice and, places to go.”
Beard wants people to know help is available. Southern Iowa Mental Health Center accepts patients regardless of insurance and has a crisis unit for anyone in immediate need.
“Asking for help doesn’t make you weak. asking for help is actually probably one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do. And being able to do that, takes strength,” Beard said.
Copyright 2026 KYOU. All rights reserved.