Debra Covington

This document outlines the 2026-2027 Combined Block Grant Application, detailing its components, planning steps, and priorities. The application aims to address unmet service needs and critical gaps within Iowa's public mental health and substance use services system. Key priorities include behavioral health crisis services, CCBHC demonstration implementation, treatment for early serious mental illness, increasing public awareness, behavioral health workforce development, recovery support, and primary prevention. The plan also incorporates the 2025-2027 Behavioral Health Service System Statewide Plan and recommendations from the Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council.

The meeting commenced with a quorum established, followed by the approval of the September 17, 2025, Meeting Minutes. The 2026 meeting schedule was reviewed, confirming all future meetings will be held virtually on the third Wednesday of odd months. The Nominations Committee reported on term expirations and resignations, resulting in the re-appointment of several members and the confirmation of the incumbent slate of officers for 2025. The Council discussed committee vacancies, with new volunteers joining the Nominations and Monitoring and Oversight Committees. The Monitoring and Oversight Committee reported on Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) contract adjustments due to the transition to Iowa Primary Care Association (Iowa PCA) management, and challenges and successes within the Office of Recovery Services (ORS) contract. Workgroup reports included recommendations for a CCBHC presentation, requests for educational guides from Iowa PCA regarding terminology, addressing Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) resource gaps, receiving updates on the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) and Opioid Settlement Funds, and monitoring school safety assessments and criminal diversion programs. The Iowa Health and Human Services (HHS) update covered the upcoming Behavioral Health Town Hall, district assessment plans, and the launch of a new competitive funding opportunity using opioid settlement money, allocating $7 million per round for opioid crisis response. Additionally, HHS introduced the Healthy Hometowns proposal for federal rural health transformation funding. Wellpoint presented on its Job Connections employment program and the CHAMP Housing Stability Initiative Flex Fund. An overview of the Revised Prescription Authority (RxP) Legislation allowing prescribing psychologists was provided, along with a discussion on the benefits and structure of Iowa's Treatment Courts.

The 2025-2027 Interim Strategic Plan for the Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council (I-PAC) serves as a temporary roadmap during state government realignment. Its core purpose is to ensure all Iowans have access to comprehensive integrated health services, promoting recovery and resilience. The plan outlines I-PAC's commitment to fulfilling its statutory duties, which include reviewing substance abuse and mental health plans, advocating for individuals with mental illnesses and substance use disorders, and monitoring service allocation and adequacy within Iowa's evolving health system. This interim plan focuses on achieving these objectives through dedicated workgroups until final directions from the Iowa Health and Human Services (IHHS) are established.

This document presents a comprehensive training plan for fiscal years 2025-2029, targeting child welfare professionals including Social Worker Case Managers, Child Protection Workers, Supervisors, and Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and Foster Care Review Board (FCRB) staff and volunteers. Key focus areas encompass foundational child protection practices, mental health, domestic violence, substance use, trauma-informed care, legal aspects of child welfare, engagement skills, and supervisory development. The plan details both initial and ongoing training, integrating new courses and updates to enhance professional capabilities and ensure effective advocacy for children and families.

Key discussions included an overview of the Child Welfare Partners Committee (CWPC) work, during which a new co-chair, Natalie Clapp, was selected to replace Emily, who is departing. The committee learned that the Division of Family Well-Being and Protection (FWB&P) will not be introducing new legislative bills but may support others. An update was provided on the Executive Order, "Foster the Future for American Children and Families," focusing on improving child welfare technology, creating electronic repositories for older youth, and increasing foster homes. Iowa is preparing an announcement regarding the VISION system, alongside ongoing efforts to streamline licensing and review pre-service training hours. Updates on the new HHS Director indicated a pragmatic approach with no imminent changes expected. Furthermore, information was shared regarding early intervention and support efforts, including Thrive Iowa and the Restore Hope Model, which establishes local alliances to share data and co-create solutions.