As a helping heart for our communities, we share tips through our blog on managing mental health struggles and connecting with disability services.
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HICS to ensure smooth transition to Iowa’s new Disability Access Point
Heart of Iowa Community Services (HICS) congratulates Pottawattamie County, Central Iowa Community Services, Polk County Behavioral Health and MHDS of East Central Iowa on being named Iowa’s Disability Access Point (DAP) under the state’s new Disability Services System.
02.28.2025
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How the science of hope can improve mental health
Mental health advocates in Iowa, including Heart of Iowa Community Services (HICS), are beginning to emphasize hope as a skill. In fact, HICS employees have undergone hope awareness training to understand how hope can transform our communities.
02.11.2025
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Health esteem: Why it’s good to celebrate the wins in your journey to better health
No matter your background or goals, Heart of Iowa Community Services is here to help you improve your quality of life. For short- or long-term mental health help close to home, reach out at HICSIowa.org.
01.07.2025
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How to handle interpersonal conflicts around the holidays
The holidays can be a fun-filled time full of traditions honored and memories made. It can also be a time when you dread sitting down to a meal with a certain family member, walk on eggshells around relatives you only see once a year or grieve the loss of a loved one even more than usual.
12.09.2024
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Smoking and nicotine use can worsen mental health
During November, the American Cancer Society hosts the Great American Smokeout® to encourage and support people quitting smoking and tobacco use. Heart of Iowa Community Services (HICS) knows that physical health struggles can take a mental toll and vice versa. Let’s examine how smoking and other nicotine and tobacco use can affect mental health.
11.07.2024
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Crisis canine Tucker helps first responders, students and incarcerated individuals central and southwestern Iowa
Heart of Iowa Community Services (HICS) is thrilled to have expanded our staff and services a la an adorable four-legged new employee. We’ve added a crisis canine to our roster of mental health support staff.
10.22.2024
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How do you introduce a child to mental health?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports good mental health is critical for children as they reach developmental and emotional milestones, gain social skills, and learn how to deal with life’s problems.
Mental disorders in children change how they behave, learn, and handle emotional trauma or strong emotions. Mentally healthy children function well in their homes, their learning environment and their community and display a positive quality of life.
09.26.2024
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Why mental issues in children should be taken seriously.
If left untreated, any illness can pose a serious risk to a child. A mental illness is no different.
While the exact cause of mental illness in children is unknown, experts believe it is likely a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Some children who experience mental disorders also have parents with mental disorders or substance use issues.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports early detection and intervention for childhood mental illness are critical because mental health conditions often worsen without treatment.
09.25.2024