By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the Sept. 9 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, the supervisors heard from Brett Michael, Mental Health Advocate, who serves an area including Guthrie County and six other counties. Board Chair Maggie Armstrong shared why she felt it would be helpful for the supervisors to hear from Michael.
Michael explained how he is assigned to work with individuals who are deemed by the court to be in need of involuntary mental health services.
“I get appointed to basically work with people through the process,” Michael said. “Overall, part of it is making sure people know what their rights are through the process. It can be a really confusing time for people. Some people are perfectly able to advocate for themselves.”
Supervisor Mike Dickson asked about the need for the advocate position, saying that county staff are already able to provide such services.
“We’re setting things up within the county ourselves,” Dickson said.
Armstrong said the county’s advocate cost is reimbursed by the State of Iowa, and she added that Michael’s position has been operating at the same hourly rate of $19.30 per hour for more than a decade. She asked the supervisors to consider a cost-of-living increase in that rate. No formal action was taken at this time. Michael said his time spent dealing with Guthrie County has ranged from seven to 32 hours per month.
Health Services Director Jotham Arber addressed the supervisors, reporting on status of Public Health and Environmental Health services.
“COVID vaccines are a big thing right now,” Arber said.
Arber shared a plan that is in the initial stages.
“I am working with the schools to try to get a 28E agreement drafted that would allow them to all share mental health services,” Arber said. “I talked to all the superintendents and all the school counselors, and I think there’s a great appetite to work together to get more mental health services into our schools.”
The supervisors meet regularly on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend in person or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123, then use meeting code 547029216#.