OTTUMWA — Iowans struggling with mental health, substance use or related problems — or trying to help someone who is — can reach a free service that connects them to care regardless of insurance or income, representatives told the Ottumwa City Council on Tuesday.
The service is run by the Iowa Primary Care Association, which on July 1, 2025, became the state’s behavioral health administrative service organization. Sarah Berndt, the district leader, and Jim Stephenson, senior lead system navigator, described how the system works in District Six, which covers Wapello County and stretches from Benton County south to Appanoose and Lee counties.
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