There’s Hope for Mental Health
Hamilton County Public Health is in your corner
August 2022
Does mental illness have a face?
Inside
Signs to Watch For Patti’s Story What’s the Difference Between 911 and 988?
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Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
forward from Rick Young We are daily subjected to horrific acts of violence, while still remaining in the clutches of a worldwide pandemic. With this venue we wish to raise awareness and educate about the treatment for mental and physical health conditions available in Hamilton County. Physical health conditions can be easily recognized, while mental health conditions remain a challenge to understand. Mental health issues aren’t new; they have been around since before Moses wrote the 10 Commandments. Only in recent years has education and treatment become more prevalent. Every family has a story of mental health ailments in their history that can and should be told. I wish to share a story that has been hidden in a satchel in a dark closet for more than three generations of my family. In the early 1900s one of my great-grandparents farmed near High Point, Missouri. A simple argument over a chicken incubator escalated to the point where my great-grandfather became violently enraged. He shot and killed his wife, my great-grandmother. He then turned the “Bulldog Black Powder” pistol on himself, committing suicide. Two of their four children witnessed the event. All four children grew up to raise families throughout the Midwest. Many violent acts are the result of a minor similar incident that for some reason escalates. A kind word at the right time can mean more than you will ever know. Mental illness should be treated as you would a broken arm or cancer. Likewise, mental illness patients should receive the same respect and comfort that physical illness patients get. A pathway to help people who need help is available. Our hope is to communicate how to get help when a person needs it.
Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
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Rick Young
HAMILTON COUNTY DISTRICT 3 SUPERVISOR
“I was raised, but never grew up, on a farm near Stanhope.” “My current County responsibilities include: 911 Board, Emergency Management Board, County Development, Region V HAZMAT Commission, Local Emergency Planning Commision, Health Insurance Review Board, Empower Rural Iowa Task Force, YSS Board, 911 Dispatch Review Committee, South Skunk River Authority Board, Boone River Authority Board, Ioway Creek Water Management, Dilapidated Housing Project and Prairie Rivers of Iowa. I’m also a trustee for 320 drainage districts.” “My public service interests include Financial Literacy Council, Jewell Market LLC, Envision Stanhope, Stanhope Medical Building LLC, JewEllsworth Trail and Bring the Stanhope Depot Home.” “My wife Janet and I have always believed in giving back to the community that has given so much to our family. Through good and tough times, Hamilton County is the best place on earth to live.”
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Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
Dan Campidilli HAMILTON COUNTY DISTRICT 2 SUPERVISOR, RURAL WEBSTER CITY
“I’ve been a supervisor for five and a half years in the northern half of the county and a small portion of Webster City. I have been a resident since 1973. “My 93-year-old father is able to stay in his home because of the service that Public Health provides. If it wasn’t for their staff, he would have had to transition to a care center.” “We have some great mental health services in Hamilton County. I can’t say enough good things about the county staff. As a supervisor you lean on them a lot. We are trying to reach as many people as we can about the services they provide.”
Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
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Jerry Kloberdanz COUNTY DISTRICT 1 SUPERVISOR, WEBSTER CITY
“I was elected to this position in November 2020 and started the job on January 1, 2021. I have only been in this position for a little over 18 months. My district is made up of Webster City voting precincts 1 and 3. I have only one small drainage district compared to the 300+ the other supervisor districts have.” “I believe that the work that the county public health provided during the pandemic was essential for us to ensure that the county residents had the health care services that were needed to mitigate the effects of Covid-19. Without the work that Shelby Kroona and her staff did at public health to mitigate the pandemic, I believe that there would have been more severe cases and possibly more deaths in the county.” “I want to be able to say when I leave this position that I helped people and made a little difference in the lives of our citizens. I want our residents to know that the services the county provides them through their tax dollars has been well spent and makes their lives a little bit better.” “The one thing that I want to try to do is take the stigma off using mental health services. Mental health care is no different than having diabetes or coronary heart disease; people need to be taken care of. I would like to see mental health care to be as easy to be treated as going to a doctor for any other medical condition.”
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Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
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Patti’s Story
I want to tell you the story of my Uncle Pete. He is one very important reason I am in mental health and disability work. Uncle Pete had a brain health issue, and because of this he lived much of his life in and out of Cherokee Mental Health Institute, jail and the old Hamilton County Home. Throughout my life, I watched his struggle dealing with the demons in his mind. He would turn to drinking to alleviate the pain we all knew he was in. Oh, he was a precious man who loved his family and tried so hard to deal with everyday life. But his disability was so prevalent it made it extremely difficult. The services and supports for mental health back in his day were so very scarce. Unfortunately, Uncle Pete died in 1982 from a heart attack at the age of 42. He died alone. It sticks with me, how sad I felt. I remember thinking: If only things would have been different for him. I wished that he could have received the help he needed to live a full life in his community. We have come a long way from the days of Uncle Pete. We know that mental health has always been a tough topic to talk about. The stigma surrounding it has been crushing for so many individuals in our community. I am so proud of the work that is being done around mental health and disabilities. Working in the Central Iowa Community Services Mental Health Region, I have seen firsthand the many supports we are able to provide the citizens of Hamilton County, and those in the mental health region. Although we have come a long way in mental health, we still have a long way to go. We must, as a community, have the hard conversations that surround mental health and disabilities.
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Let us help you.
We are available to help you find the right resource. No one person should struggle in silence. No one should be alone like Uncle Pete.
Patti Treibel Leeds
Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
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What are the Signs to Watch For? For those who are fortunate enough to have been married for 10, 25 or more than 50 years, you will understand and recognize what is known as The Look. Perhaps you’re at an event, church or just at home, when your spouse enters the room. Nothing needs to be said, you can tell by The Look. There may be dozens of people there, but no one else sees what you do. Something is wrong and you know you have to get aside with your spouse to learn what happened and do what you can to listen, offer support and a possible solution. Then, reassurance, “everything will be all right; we’ll work through this together.” Together we’re stronger. Mental illness does not necessarily have a warning look. Everything often looks just fine. And so, we are often puzzled by what we didn’t see. When someone is wounded physically, and there is blood, the wound gets your attention immediately and you take action by any means available. Mental illness isn’t like that. Here are some signs to help identify when someone is struggling with a mental health issue. • Feeling sad or down. • Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate. • Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt. • Extreme mood changes of highs and lows. • Withdrawal from friends and activities. • Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping. Long-lasting sadness or irritability. • Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits.
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Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
F C E E W S D
988 is the New Mental Health Crisis Line.
911 or 988? Know the difference, and what to expect. When you call 911, this is a CONFIDENTIAL CONVERSATION. Dispatcher: 911. What is the nature of your emergency? Caller: I’m at 13289 Tunlaw Street. My friend is bleeding. Dispatcher: OK, I’m dispatching an ambulance. Hang on. I’ll need to get more information from you. ... When you call 988, this is a CONFIDENTIAL CONVERSATION. Crisis Life Line: Within a few seconds your call will be answered by a caring professional. Crisis Life Line Professional: Hi, this is Mary. How can I help you? Caller: I guess I’m having a bad day and I don’t know what to do. Crisis Life Line Professional: Tell me how your day went. Let’s talk. Caller: Well, ... Crisis Life Line Professional: There are many ways to help you.
Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
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Patti Treibel Leeds HAMILTON COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR 17 YEARS
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I have been working in mental health most of my career, and I must say I have loved every minute of it. I grew up in Hamilton County, graduated from Webster City High School, went to college, returned home to raise my three children. As I was growing up my family was a foster home for kids. I remember I wanted to become a social worker from a young age. Part of the reason for that was because of a social worker who would come to our home and bring foster
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children to us. Her name was Pam Doolittle. I remember how kind, caring and thoughtful she was in working with the most vulnerable people. I really did want to be just like her. I am passionate about serving those who are hurting, especially those who are in emotional pain.
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Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
Shelby Kroona ADMINISTRATOR MPH, BSN, HAMILTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH 30 YEARS
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I have a total of 25 years working in public health. Public health affects all people every day, from safe drinking water, communicable disease investigation, community health assessment, immunizations and more. Our work helps the community and individuals lead healthy lives. It is a broad-based approach to health. Our agency also does Home Health; assisting people
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to stay in their homes in a safe, healthy environment is such a privilege and joy.
This staff is dedicated to our core values of care, compassion and commitment for all the people of Hamilton County. This is why I do what I do.
Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
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Pamela Harklau
RN, HAMILTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH FOR 2 YEARS; 32 YEARS WORKING IN HEALTHCARE FIELD CLINICAL MANAGER
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I work in all programs throughout Hamilton County Public Health, with special interest in home care, working with elderly, wound care, ostomy care and chronic
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disease management.
I love working at Hamilton County Public Health because I want to make a difference in people’s lives by assisting in their health care needs. I love my team at Hamilton County Public Health; we are like a small family working together to assist the citizens of Hamilton County.
Bruce Johnston
M.A. JUDICIAL MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE, HAMILTON COUNTY
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I have a personal and professional commitment to this. Bruce has been a Judicial Mental Health Advocate since 2008,
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serving as an advocate for persons who have been ordered by the court to participate in treatment for serious mental health concerns. This includes assisting the person in understanding the commitment process, reviewing the person’s medical records, safeguarding the rights of the person, and communicating effectively with medical personnel and the court system.
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Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
Carrie Hisler
SERVICE COORDINATOR FOR CENTRAL IOWA COMMUNITY SERVICES (CICS), SERVING HAMILTON AND WEBSTER COUNTIES
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My role is to help provide resource and referral information to people in search of mental health and disability support. It’s important to spread the word that it’s okay to not be okay. I have been in the men-
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tal health and disability field for almost 30 years in different roles. The reason why I do this, I have seen firsthand what a difference it can make when someone has access to support services to help them lead a full and happy life. As Helen Keller said, ‘Often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.’ Let CICS be that door.
Catie Peterson
GENERAL ASSISTANCE DIRECTOR OF HAMILTON COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES
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I plan and administer a comprehensive and integrated system of services and support for individuals in need; or who are eligible for and benefit from such services offered through the County General/ Emergency Assistance Program, Veterans Affairs or other entities within the community.
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My job is not to judge. My job is not to figure out if someone deserves something. My job is to lift the fallen, to restore the broken and to heal the hurting. You don’t change the world with the ideas in your mind, but with the conviction in your heart.
Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
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Lori Price
RN, HAMILTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH 20 YEARS MATERNAL/CHILD HEALTH COORDINATOR AND SUPERVISOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITATION PROGRAMS – HOPES AND EARLY HEAD START
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I enjoy providing education and services to pregnant women and families with young children and empowering them to establish a safe, healthy home environment for the entire family.
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Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
NURSES
Amanda Bergeson R.N., WITH HAMILTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SINCE SEPTEMBER 2021 HOME HEALTH, WIC, FOOT CLINIC, IMMUNIZATIONS
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What I like about my job is that I am able to help the people of Hamilton County and my community. I love being a nurse because it is my passion; I get to help others when they cannot help themselves.
Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
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Carrin Sadler
RN, HAMILTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH FOR 5 YEARS HOME HEALTH, WIC AND CHILDREN’S IMMUNIZATIONS
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I love working in Public Health because I get to play a part in improving people’s lives every day.
RN, WITH HAMILTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH FOR 7 MONTHS TUBERCULOSIS, HELP WITH COVID CLINICS
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Val Dodge
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I like working for Public Health because you get to spend more time with your clients and help them. I always learn new things every day and people are very appreciative for all you do.
Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
SANITARIAN
Bradley B. Berg HAMILTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH FOR 5 YEARS SANITARIAN
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I have worked in public health for 20 years. I decided to work in public health for the flexibility it provides me so I can follow my number one passion, which is God and my family. The amount of family time it has allowed me over the past 20 years cannot be replaced by anything else. It has also allowed me to be involved with children/youth programs at my church throughout the years. I also love what I do; it allows me to meet a variety of different people, learn different things, and have a lot of different experiences. I love what I do, and I love the people I work with.
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The programs I work with provide septic permitting and inspections, well testing and permitting, pool inspections, tattoo inspections, emergency preparedness, disease investigations, public health nurse, and flood management.
Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
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AIDES
Mandi Jones
HAMILTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH 10 YEARS FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST, FOOT CLINIC, HCA
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Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. The only way to do great work is
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to love what you do. I enjoy getting to know the families I work with. Most of them I have prenatal until 3 years old, teaching families about their babies’ milestones and development. I enjoy all the different things we have to offer at Public Health, and helping fill in wherever I can when needed.
Debbie Jordahl
CNA, WITH HAMILTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH FOR 30 YEARS FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST
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I really love helping families, whether it’s being able to help an older adult stay in their home or helping first-time parents understand their babies’ growth and development. It’s always been more than just a job for me.
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Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
Amanda Simons CNA, HAMILTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH, FIRST YEAR HOME HEALTH AIDE
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I like my job for the little things; every smile, every thank you, and especially hearing “I don’t know what I would do without you.” It makes every day working at HCPH worth it.
Kelly Blair
CNA, WITH HAMILTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH FOR 1 YEAR HOME HEALTH AIDE
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Kelly brings 23 years of health care experience to Hamilton County Public Health. She enjoys her time with her clients, and is happy to help them stay in their own homes.
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FINANCIAL / CLERICAL
Lindsay Ruba
HAMILTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH, 7 YEARS FINANCIAL COORDINATOR
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I love being a part of an organization that has the health and well-being of the community as its focus.
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Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
Amanda Kalkwarf COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH FOR 16 YEARS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
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Working at Hamilton County Public Health is more than just a job, it’s a home. Growing up in Webster City,
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I have a unique perspective on the needs and issues facing the local population. Because of my position, I touch almost every program that the Health Department supports. I enjoy interacting with the public. From COVID vaccinations and screenings to WIC, I am often the first face the public sees when they come through the doors.
Gina Campidilli HAMILTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH FOR 3 YEARS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
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I joined the team at a pivotal time. Starting in the midst of the COVID 19 Pandemic in January of 2019, my love
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for helping the community, along with my passion for making a difference, has been and continues to be an asset to Hamilton County. I work with several different programs in Public Health, including immunization records and scheduling. When you call Public Health, I am likely the pleasant voice on the other end.
Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
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Deb Nessa
COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH FOR 5 YEARS CLERICAL/ADMINISTRATIVE/HOME HEALTH SECRETARY/ ASSISTANT TO THE SANITARIAN/WORKS WITH THE BOARD OF HEALTH
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As Home Health secretary, I schedule aides’ visits and deal indirectly with the clients. I have gained a deep appreciation of Home Health services and how it impacts people’s lives in a positive way by allowing them to remain in their homes. I get close to the Home
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Care aides and when I hear positive feedback that they, as well as the nurses, receive. I see how close they get to their clients, and it makes me happy, as well as proud of them and the services we provide. I believe Home Health, as well as all Public Health services, are vital to our community.
Patty McCoy HAMILTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
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I’ve worked in home care for 30 years. I enjoy working with clients and helping them to be as independent as possible.
Mental Health • Public Health • August 2022
SERVICES WE OFFER
• Home Visits by Skilled Nurses, PT, OT and Speech Therapy • Direct Care Workers • Elderly Case • Management Services • Medical Social Work Services • Foot Clinics • Women, Infant and Children (WIC Program) • HOPES Program (National Credentialed Healthy Opportunities for Parents to Experience Success) • Early Headstart • In Home Parenting Support • Maternal Child Health Clinics • Lead Poisoning Prevention • Home Health • Immunizations • CARES Program • Respite Care for Adults • Well and Septic Permits • Rural Water Testing • Iowa Breast and Cervical cancer Early Detection (BCCEDP) • Communicable Disease Follow-up • Community Health Education Programs • Bio-emergency Planning • Community Health Needs Assessment • Inspections: Pools, Spas, Tanning Bed, Tattoo Parlor • Food Safety Resources: ServeSafe Manager: www.servsafe.com/purchase ServeSafe Food Handler www.servsafe.com/foodhandler and www.servsafe.com
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Hamilton County
public health we’re in your corner
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