The Area Substance Abuse Council’s (ASAC) Heart of Iowa program has been recognized by Addiction Policy Forum, a national nonprofit, in its Iowa Innovations to Address Addiction report, which spotlights innovative programs that address substance use disorders and provide support for families and communities.

 

Many women with substance use disorders are reluctant to seek help because they fear losing custody of their children. This barrier can keep women trapped in a cycle of poverty and addiction. Heart of Iowa provides residential treatment for substance use disorders and is specifically designed for women and their children, providing comprehensive treatment and support services. On average, Heart of Iowa treats 150 women and 200 children each year.

 

“While our immediate goal is recovery, the ultimate goal is stopping the cycle of substance use disorders,â€� said Kathy Brogla, Heart of Iowa director.

 

“This program is wonderful because it’s a comprehensive treatment center. Every aspect is supervised, and we try to coach moms on parenting as it happens. We use every aspect of life as a teachable moment,â€� Brogla added.

 

Jessica Hulsey Nickel, founder of the Addiction Policy Forum, explained, “The Innovation Now Initiative recognizes revolutionary programs, such as the Heart of Iowa, that are transforming the response to addiction in Iowa and offering solutions during a time of crisis.â€�

 

ASAC’s Heart of Iowa and other Iowa innovators across the diverse fields of healthcare, prevention, recovery, law enforcement, public health, and harm reduction, including several of ASAC’s local partners, were recognized at the Addiction Policy Forum’s Innovation Now Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, in Des Moines. Dale Woolery, Director of the Governor's Office of Drug Control Policy, was the keynote speaker for the event. Facebook livestream of the event is available here.


The local Vinton office is located at: 1003 W 4th St, Vinton, To call, 472-2443