Michaela Ramm

1 month ago | desmoinesregister.com | Michaela Ramm

Iowa health care clinics that provide reproductive and sexual health care services for low-income residents are struggling with a dramatic cut to their federal funding this year. The Family Planning Council of Iowa said it has received less than half its total annual funding from the Title X family planning program for the current fiscal year that started April 1. As a result, the nonprofit organization only signed six-month contracts with its partner clinics across the state.

1 month ago | desmoinesregister.com | Michaela Ramm

Planned Parenthood North Central States has completed an expansion of its Des Moines-based health center as the organization continues to pivot its operations in Iowa. The health care organization recently completed an approximately $300,000 renovation at its Susan Knapp Health Center on University Avenue in Des Moines, which will allow providers to see twice as many patients.

1 month ago | desmoinesregister.com | Michaela Ramm

A harm reduction vending machine dispensing free condoms, emergency contraceptives, gun locks, and naloxone has been installed outside the Polk County Health Department. The 24/7 accessible machine aims to reduce barriers to essential health resources for vulnerable communities, addressing high rates of overdoses and unintended pregnancies. Funded by donations and existing partnerships, the initiative seeks to provide a private, non-judgmental way to obtain supplies and reduce stigma.

1 month ago | desmoinesregister.com | Michaela Ramm

Despite increased state and federal spending, demand for youth mental health services continues to grow, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Low Medicaid reimbursement rates create financial challenges for providers, leading to staff shortages and limited access to care. State officials are overhauling Iowa's behavioral health system, aiming to improve efficiency and address gaps in care, but providers express concerns about funding and transparency.

1 month ago | usatoday.com | Michaela Ramm

Over the summer, the 43-year-old mother had exhausted every avenue to find her teenage son the mental health care he badly needed as his behavior spiraled to alarming and dangerous levels. The breaking point came as he began starting fires in their Des Moines home, and Richtman couldn't keep him from smuggling in more materials to burn. Faced with impossible choices, Richtman said she chose “the best of bad options.”She gave up custody of her son to the state.