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Branstad: Mental health institutions need review

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December 13th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Governor Terry Branstad says Iowa has some “ancient” mental health institutions that need review. The Gazette reported Wednesday that Branstad says the state should revamp those institutions to deliver services more efficiently. He noted specifically facilities at Cherokee, Clarinda, Independence and Mount Pleasant. Branstad says any review of those facilities would need to be in coordination with affected communities. The governor made the comments during a discussion with state health officials about the 2014 budget.

Lawmakers overhauled the state’s mental health system last session. New legislation creates a regionalized system that coordinates services statewide.