July 1, 2022
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has partnered with researchers at Mathematica to conduct a systemwide assessment of community-based services for people with behavioral health, disability and aging needs. Community-based services are the services you need to stay in your home and neighborhood rather than an institutional setting. This may include case management, personal care, home health care and transportation. The assessment seeks to understand how people access and use these services through Medicaid and other programs. By early 2023, the research team expects to make recommendations to enhance and improve service delivery.
With their partner, The Harkin Institute, the research team is currently gathering input from invested Iowans across the state in two ways:
First, beginning July 5, Iowans can share their experiences with community-based services in a feedback form available at www.CommunityServicesIowa.com. The form will accept responses through August 31.
Second, the research team is hosting listening sessions across the state with people who receive communitybased services, their families, caregivers and providers. Outreach teams will host the sessions between July and November this year at the following general locations:
- July - Northeast: Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Independence, Mason City, Waterloo
- August - Northwest: Denison, Estherville, Fort Dodge, Rock Valley, Sioux City, Spencer, Storm Lake
- September - Southeast: Burlington, Columbus Junction, Davenport, Fort Madison, Iowa City, Muscatine, Ottumwa
- October - Southwest: Atlantic, Clarinda, Council Bluffs, Creston, Shenandoah
- July – November - Des Moines and virtual sessions
Listening session participants will receive a $25 gift card for their time. They can also receive a $10 gift card to help cover travel and childcare costs. Most sessions will be in English, with options for American Sign Language and Communication Access Realtime Translation.
If you are interested in participating in an in-person or virtual session in your area, you must register as session space is limited. You can sign up by emailing harkinoutreach@drake.edu or call (515) 271-3688.
The Iowa Department of Human Services looks forward to your input through these important opportunities to advance service delivery across the state.
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Media Contact:
Alex Carfrae
acarfra@dhs.state.ia.us