AHA podcast explores how UnityPoint Health improves youth mental health

In an American Hospital Association podcast, a UnityPoint Health representative discusses how the West Des Moines, Iowa-based health system is leveraging a $1 million philanthropic investment to expand mental health services for children and adolescents in 22 surrounding counties. Eight years ago, Eyerly Ball ─ a one-stop county mental health center started by two philanthropists ─ became a wholly owned portion of UnityPoint Health Des Moines. The representative describes how hospital philanthropic support is a “must have” to provide community services. Eyerly Ball connects children and teens to services faster in one place, achieving better long-term outcomes. It offers an urgent care center for behavioral health services, a pharmacy, and social worker and behavioral health counselor services.