The Johnson County Public Health Department has partnered with the platform CredibleMind to operate a website to promote mental health for those looking for resources.
This free website launches on Tuesday, October 1st and will remain open until October 2026. If the site gets enough attention, the county will invest in keeping it up longer, Johnson County Health Planner Giselle Colias said. The HealthyJoCo Site offers podcasts, videos, apps, articles, and self-assessments that are available to community members in their sole discretion.
Materials are available in English and Spanish. Depending on website traffic, Johnson County may decide to expand language options.
Coreas and her team expressed excitement about launching the website and recognized the importance of taking initiative for mental health services in our communities.
“Mental health helps us understand our ability to manage stress, build relationships, and make daily decisions. , which is related to social well-being and is essential at every stage of life,” said Colas.
Colas said offering this expert-vetted service will help reduce wait times and visits to providers. This service is also available to those who do not have insurance or those who are interested and would like to perform a self-diagnosis.
Johnson County has partnered with CredibleMind to create an accessible resource available to everyone in the area. HealthyJoCo covers over 150 topics ranging from stress, anxiety, depression, substance use, and more.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, as of February 2021, 42.2 percent of Iowa adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression.
CredibleMind creates websites like HealthyJoCo to increase access to local resources. The Johnson County Public Health Department handpicked this site with local resources in mind, including the GuideLink Center, Abbe Community Mental Health Center, and the Domestic Violence Intervention Program.
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“Mental health, substance use issues and suicide are on the rise. The more initiatives and options we have for people, the more likely we are to be able to tackle some of the issues facing our communities. ” said Abby Ferenczi, Executive Director of GuideLink Center.
We do not recommend using this website during a crisis unless you are looking for a destination.
“If you’re in a mental health crisis, that’s not the place to start. Dial 988, call your local crisis team or crisis line, or visit our 24/7 walk-in Guidelink Center. Please come,” Ferenczi said.
Emily Heckroodt, customer success manager at CredibleMind, said this resource could be a solution for people who want to explore their mental health without committing to treatment or visiting a psychiatrist before they’re ready. It says that there is a sex.
Heckroodt encouraged users to explore the site at their own pace, as they may find useful information not found elsewhere.
Anyone who creates a free account and completes a mental health check-in assessment between October 1st and October 15th will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card hosted by CredibleMind.
“(HealthyJoCo) can reduce the fear and stigma around mental health,” Colas said. “We understand that this disease is still prevalent in different cultures and in today’s society. It is important to increase the information and light around mental health. Therefore, we at CredibleMind But I’m looking forward to it being an initiative that allows people to explore at their own pace and what makes them happy.”
