2025 Mental Health Summit: Iowa's Path Forward

Sponsored by the Iowa Judicial Branch in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, this is a free statewide summit designed to foster collaboration across sectors. The event convenes judges, attorneys, behavioral health professionals, leaders from all branches of state government, and key stakeholders to explore solutions at the intersection of mental health and the justice system. Attendees will participate in facilitated action planning sessions throughout the summit, with a focus on driving implementation beyond the event.

When:

September 11 - 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Full Day)

September 12 - 8:30 AM - 12:15 PM (Half Day)

Summit Highlights:

• Keynote Address by a Lived Experience Advocate Hear a powerful story from someone who has navigated both the mental health and justice systems, offering insight into the human impact of policy and practice.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration Panels Judges, behavioral health providers, law enforcement, and others will share innovative strategies for improving outcomes at the intersection of justice and mental health.
• Interactive Action Planning Sessions Engage in facilitated group discussions to co-create actionable solutions, with templates and tools provided to support post-summit implementation.
• Spotlight on Iowa Initiatives Learn about promising practices and pilot programs already underway in Iowa, and explore opportunities to replicate or scale them.
• Family Perspectives Hear from a family member who has experienced the system firsthand, highlighting gaps and opportunities for reform.
• Networking for Change Connect with professionals and advocates across disciplines who are committed to building a more compassionate and effective system.

Who should attend: This summit welcomes a broad range of participants committed to improving outcomes at the intersection of mental health and the justice system. Attendees may include judges, court administrators and clerks, law enforcement officers, behavioral health professionals, corrections and reentry staff, parole and probation officers, public defenders, and policy advocates. Individuals with lived experience are especially encouraged to join and contribute their vital perspectives.

Info: Panel guests include: Shelly Gehrke (Polk County Sobering Center); Margaret Lano and Officer Winter (Crisis Intervention Team); Lynn Ross (Johnson County AOT); Judge McElyea and Courtney Stenzel (Mental Health Court); Community Support Advocates (OP Competency Restoration)

Host or Publisher Iowa Judicial Branch