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The convergence of mental health and criminal justice in Iowa

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River to River, hosted by Ben Kieffer

The Johnson County civil mental health court program, a first in the state, monitors mental health outpatients and connects them with treatment to help live independently.

On today's episode of River to River, host Ben Kieffer discusses the intersection between mental health and the criminal justice system, and stakeholder efforts to improve both areas.

First, Ben is joined by Black Hawk County Sheriff Tony Thompson, the author of Anyplace But Here: The Uncomfortable Convergence Between Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System. In it, he shares how Iowa’s mental health system has caused a strain on law enforcement, and the efforts his county has made to improve the situation.

Then, we learn about Johnson County’s civil mental health court program, a first in the state, as Ben speaks with Assistant County Attorney Lynn Rose, and mental health advocate Leslie Carpenter.

Guests:

  • Tony Thompson, Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office
  • Leslie Carpenter, serious brain disorders advocate and board member, NAMI Iowa
  • Lynn Rose, assistant county attorney, Johnson County Attorney’s Office
Ben Kieffer is the host of IPR's River to River
Samantha McIntosh is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University. Since 2022, McIntosh has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.