Dear Students, Families, and Staff,

We want to provide a reminder that your mental health matters. While there is much to celebrate within our school district family, we also recognize the challenges that many face throughout the year. 

It is important to us that you are aware of the school-based support services that are available, as well as the local community resources that can provide support outside of the school setting. School Counselors, Student Family Advocates, and District staff are available for students in each school. In addition to our internal resources, at the bottom of this message is a list of local and national support services that are always accessible to you.

In addition, our District maintains and continuously updates a webpage dedicated to support resources that are available to our community. Don’t hesitate to visit www.IowaCitySchools.org/Support to access all of the resources below and more. A QR code linking to this support page is printed on the back of every secondary student’s school ID, as well as on posters displayed throughout all of our schools. 

We continue to evaluate our current approach to supporting students and staff while developing additional ways to engage parents and students in this conversation. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Please remember that we are here for you and it is okay to ask for help.

Examples of Local and National Mental Health Support Services Available:

CommUnity Crisis Services & Mobile Crisis Outreach: Mobile Crisis operates in our community as a mental health crisis response. CommUnity Crisis Services & Food Bank has counselors equipped to help individuals struggling with a wide variety of issues. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, thinking of suicide, or experiencing overwhelming mental health symptoms, Mobile Crisis is there to respond to you in person.

• To contact the Mobile Crisis team, please call 1-855-581-8111 and ask to meet with Mobile Crisis counselors.
• Crisis Phone/Text: 988
• Food Bank: 319-351-0128
• https://builtbycommunity.org/

Johnson County Social Services: Comprehensive resource directory of services available across Johnson County. 

• Phone: 319-356-6090
• Website: https://www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/social-services/resource-directory

United Action for Youth: Prevention and intervention services specifically aimed at supporting youth and their families.

• Phone: 319-338-7518
• Website: https://www.unitedactionforyouth.org/

Four Oaks: Network of programs available across the state to support children and their families.

• Phone: 319-364-0259
• Website: https://www.fouroaks.org/

ChildServe: Specialized support for children with mental health concerns, developmental delays, disabilities, injuries and other special healthcare needs. 

• Phone: 319-351-5437
• Website: https://www.childserve.org/

IC Compassion: Community services aimed at supporting our immigrant families 

• Phone: 319-330-9883
• Website: https://www.iccompassion.org/

Abbe Mental Health Center: Provides a variety of behavioral health service options to provide help and healing with expertise in nearly all aspects of counseling, mental health and psychiatric treatment.

• Phone: (319) 338-7884
• Website: https://www.unitypoint.org/cedarrapids/abbe-mental-health-center.aspx

University of Iowa - Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Resources: Multiple options for mental health care and support through the University of Iowa

• Website: https://mentalhealth.uiowa.edu/mental-health-resources/
• Website: https://uichildrens.org/health-library/suicidal-adolescent-family-empowerment-safe-program

988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for anyone in crisis. 

• Phone: 988
• Website: https://988lifeline.org/

If you or someone you know has attempted suicide or is facing imminent physical harm, please call 911 immediately.