DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A top state official says Iowa is providing better mental health care after an overhaul of the system, though critics question the recent closure of two state-run mental health institutes. Department of Human Services Director Chuck Palmer told an advisory board Wednesday that Iowa’s mental health system was serving more people and providing more modern care. The effort to remake the system began in 2011 and was implemented last year.

Gov. Terry Branstad has been criticized for halting funding for two Iowa mental health institutes this year. The Des Moines Register reported Wednesday that a third patient from one of those centers died after being moved to a private nursing home.