The GuideLink Center, a facility dedicated to mental health and substance abuse crisis care, is celebrating its fifth anniversary, marking a significant milestone in providing alternatives to emergency room visits and incarceration for thousands of Iowans.
Since opening its doors in 2021, the center, managed by UnityPoint Health – AbbeHealth Services, has served over 9,244 individuals, with more than 6,377 admissions.
Located at 300 Southgate Avenue in Iowa City, the GuideLink Center offers 24/7 services, including rapid assessment, triage, stabilization and follow-up support. The center also provides beds for stays up to five days. It serves individuals 18 and older from any county in Iowa.
“Many clients have expressed they would not have sought care if the center did not exist,” said Jackie Smith Duggan, director of GuideLink Center. “The center has become a lifeline for those facing mental health and substance abuse crises, offering them hope, support, and a path to recovery.”
Over the past five years, the center has provided crisis stabilization for 2,562 individuals, medically monitored withdrawal for 2,599, and sobering services for 2,115.
The GuideLink Center is a community-initiated collaboration led by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors. AbbeHealth Services manages the facility in partnership with CommUnity Crisis and Foodbank, Community Family Resources, Johnson County Area Ambulance Services and other entities.
For more information, visit guidelinkcenter.org.
