Linn County panel makes recommendations to improve employee mental health resources

Apr. 12—Previous

Make It OK logo (Make it OK) (from spring 2022 press release)

An estimated 8 in 10 workers with a mental health condition don't get treatment because of the shame and stigma associated with it, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. (Dreamstime/TNS)

Make It OK logo (Make it OK) (from spring 2022 press release)

An estimated 8 in 10 workers with a mental health condition don't get treatment because of the shame and stigma associated with it, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. (Dreamstime/TNS)

Make It OK logo (Make it OK) (from spring 2022 press release)

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CEDAR RAPIDS — A Linn County panel devoted to raising awareness of stigma surrounding mental health and resources for support recommended the county explore making changes to county worker benefits and improving communication about mental health to employees.

In 2021, the Linn County Board of Supervisors approved making Linn County a registered Make It OK workplace, committing the county to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and helping people get the support they need. This action has:

— Increased Make It OK Ambassadors among county staff.

— Established a resource hub for employee mental health.

— Incorporated Make It OK overview in new employee orientation.

— Added telehealth to the county's Employee Assistance Program.

— Worked to provide private space in all buildings and departments.

"We focus so much on physical health, but mental health is always on the sidelines," Linn County Public Health Director Pramod Dwivedi told the county Board of Supervisors last week. "Mental health is also a public health crisis and we should treat it as such."

Pramod Dwivedi, director of public health at Linn County Public Health

An annual employee survey guides the committee's priorities. This was its third iteration. The survey, administered in January, received 224 total responses — about 30 percent of Linn County staff.

Awareness of the Make It OK campaign had increased from 40.23 percent in 2022 to 91.07 percent in 2024, according to results. At the same time, respondents largely reported knowledge on mental health and understanding of accessing resources had increased.

Overall, the results indicated that survey respondents feel like awareness of mental health and resources has increased.

"Awareness is a starting point for change," said Katie Reasner, the county Make It OK steering committee chair.

Based on the feedback from respondents, the committee recommended the county explore additional mental health or personal days or more paid time off in general. Other possibilities to improve employee benefits were more mental health components in the county wellness program and more mental health coverage on insurance.

Anne Carter, the county's health equity program manager, said the feedback on PTO was that it can be largely up to each supervisor's discretion, so the county could look at streamlining policies or modifying communication surrounding mental health benefits. The panel also suggested destigmatizing taking time off.

Promoting team building with countywide events, networking among departments and valuing staff input also were recommended. There also should be training on coping skills, how to support people with mental illness, recognizing signs of suicide and talking to staff about mental health.

On the prospect of private space, Carter said "not every department has space where somebody can step away for a telehealth appointment or a private conversation." More dedicated private space could help employees avoid the awkwardness of navigating that, she said.

"It really matters that people are really able to be vulnerable and share that information with us or with you all because they want to make Linn County a better place work," Supervisor Chair Kirsten Running-Marquardt said.

Comments: (319) 398-8494; marissa.payne@thegazette.com

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