Crisis services, a drop-in center, jail transition and emergency room services are all offered in Washington County through the Mental Health and Disability Services office. Director Bobbie Wulf provided a quarterly update to the Washington County Board of Supervisors are their meeting Thursday. Wulf explained the drop-in center CHOICES in July, August and September had about 200 visits each month and helped about five homeless persons each of those months. CHOICES can help homeless persons connect with resources. The center also has a closet with clothes and personal items to help, and they’re accepting donations of such items.

Also, by working with Hillcrest Family Services they’ve helped provide mental health services at the Washington County emergency room which has lowered the costs associated with commitments. Sheriff transports cost just under $3,000 and attorney fees were just over $1,000. There were 17 people evaluated at the emergency room.

Wulf adds they also held a trauma informed care training for providers and law enforcement. Approximately 85 people attended and learned to think “what’s happened to you” instead of “what’s wrong with you.” Washington County is part of Southeast Iowa Link, also known as SEIL. The region includes Washington, Keokuk, Jefferson, Henry, Louisa, Des Moines, Lee and Van Buren counties.