Iowa must sustain mental health funding obligation now
The Gazette urges the state to preserve its share of mental health funding as counties face steep cuts. With Linn County facing over 1.1 million in reductions and Johnson County near 2 million, many people with autism, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy risk losing needed services and independence. The 1995 law linked state aid to county funding, but current caps force service reductions while taxpayers are blocked from new taxes. The piece calls for honoring commitments or expanding counties’ ability to cover gaps without harming vulnerable residents.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Iowa Senate
Iowa House
Gazette
Benton County
Cherie Clark
Linn County
Johnson County
Tion
Red Cross Chapter Defense Cites Local Aid Efforts
A Cedar Rapids Grant Wood Chapter official defends Red Cross management changes while detailing local relief work. He notes 119 disasters in six counties, 352 people aided with essentials, 26 000 trained in CPR and first aid, 716 family military message exchanges, and Katrina response by 30 volunteers with 150 cases opened.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
American Red Cross
U.S
Red Cross
Grant Wood
Cedar Rapids
United States
Peter Teahen
Family planning boosts health and opportunities worldwide
The piece argues that education and access to contraception reduce HIV spread and slow population growth benefiting the environment. It cites the bipartisan Focus on Family Health Worldwide bill HR 4188 to fund U S international family planning via USAID and urges Rep Jim Leach to co sponsor. A personal testimony asks for accountability and calls for arrests of those who harmed a girl, expressing frustration at inaction.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
U.S. Agency For International Development
Jim Leach
Iowa
Jetseta death sparks calls to charge relatives
A reader letter questions the role of Jetseta's mother and grandmother, accusing them of failing to protect her and asking why DHS did not intervene during years of abuse. The author argues relatives should be held accountable for the tragedy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jessera
Gage
Jetseta
Department of Human Services
Cedar Rapids Needs a Fresh Start and New Attractions
Local writer Andrew Taylor argues Cedar Rapids has stagnated and lags behind Dubuque and Waterloo. He urges bold tourism ideas and a city revival to attract young residents, noting investments in entertainment and a new government form could rekindle the community’s spirit.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kansas City
Cedar Rapids
Dubuque
Waterloo
Grand Harbor
Cedar Bend
Andrew Taylor
Fund international family planning services
International Women’s Day highlights women’s health globally. In the United States access to healthcare contraceptives and family planning education offers unprecedented opportunities, while in developing nations one in five women lacks basic services and half of pregnancies are unplanned. Planned families improve maternal and child health.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
Red Cross Eyes Governance Improvements Amid Congressional Scrutiny
The American Red Cross pledges governance reforms after Sen. Grassley questioned board size and independence. The charity plans a governance summit with experts and an independent review to improve governance and service delivery while defending its mission from negative media coverage.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
American Red Cross
Chuck Grassley
Iowa
Senate Finance Committee
Grassley
Red Cross
Congress
Red Cross Board
Red Cross marks 125th anniversary and Katrina lessons
The column notes rapid lessons from Katrina and a push to speed changes in disaster response. As hurricane season nears, leaders stress commitment to service, blood supply, governance, and safeguarding the Red Cross name while praising volunteers and supporters. Jack McGuire and Bonnie McElveen-Hunter lead the organization.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Grassley
Red Cross
American Red Cross
Jack McGuire
Bonnie McElveen-Hunter
Also Mentioned on This Page
the Gazette
Lin
Pan
C.R. Entertainment
FDA
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