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Hello Friends, and welcome to the April edition of our monthly newsletter!
As spring begins to bloom around us, it's a powerful reminder of growth, renewal, and the hope that comes with change. At MHA of Dubuque County, we’re embracing this season by continuing to advocate for mental wellness, offering support, and connecting our community to resources that uplift and empower.
This month, we’re excited to share upcoming events, highlight key mental health topics, and spotlight the incredible work being done by individuals and organizations right here in Dubuque. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or a new subscriber, we’re grateful to have you with us as we work together to foster a more compassionate and resilient community.
Here’s to brighter days ahead—both outside and within.
| | | | Legislative Session Updates | | |
Summary: Bills of Interest (2025 Legislative Session)
Below is a summary of key education and public health-related bills being monitored, supported, or opposed this session. Bills that did not pass a standing committee in the opposite chamber are no longer under consideration.
Mental Health & Student Safety
SF 538 / HF 163 – Threat Assessment Teams (M)
- Enables entities serving K-12 students to share information for safety and support purposes. Schools may form multidisciplinary threat assessment teams.
- On Senate & House debate calendars.
HF 385 – Discharge Planning for Involuntary Commitments (M)
- Establishes post-discharge protocols, including referrals, risk assessments, and medication provisions.
- Approved by House; on Senate debate calendar.
HF 312 – Psychiatric Deterioration Orders (M)
- Allows courts to order treatment for individuals showing psychiatric decline before a serious impairment occurs.
- Approved by House; in Senate subcommittee.
Student Health & Wellness
SF 172 – Child Sexual Abuse Prevention (F)
- Mandates age-appropriate instruction and training on abuse prevention in K-6 and continuing education for educators.
- On Senate debate calendar.
HF 330 – Autism Spectrum Coverage (F)
- Expands insurance coverage for autism treatment and updates diagnostic definitions.
- Approved by House; on Senate debate calendar.
HF 522 – Nutritional Support in Therapeutic Classrooms (M)
- Permits funding for nutritional interventions and wellness measures in therapeutic classrooms.
- Approved by House; in Senate Education Committee.
Student Behavior & School Environment
HF 865 – Student Bullying (M)
- Updates provisions related to harassment and bullying in schools.
- Approved by House; on Senate debate calendar.
HF 782 – Cell Phones in Schools (M)
- Requires policies limiting student use of personal electronic devices during school hours.
- Approved by both chambers with amendments.
Staffing & School Operations
HF 844 – Chaplains in Schools (A)
- Allows employment or volunteering of chaplains in schools without educational licensing requirements.
- Approved by House; on Senate debate calendar.
SF 168 – Shared Services Funding Modification (M)
- Adjusts how supplementary weighting is calculated for shared mental health and safety staff.
- On Senate debate calendar.
Student Access & Equity
HF 883 – Feminine Hygiene Products in Schools (M)
- Requires free access to feminine hygiene products in at least half of restrooms for grades 6–12.
- On House debate calendar.
Public Assistance Programs
HF 948 – Public Assistance Program Reforms (M)
- Includes work requirements and updates to Medicaid and related programs.
- Passed both chambers with amendments.
| | April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month | |
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) shares the theme "Together We Act, United We Change for Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2025. NSVRC highlights the importance of working together to address and prevent sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. This campaign focuses on enhancing public understanding of sexual violence, amplifying the voices of survivors, and empowering us to work together to promote the safety and well-being of others. Everyone in our communities deserves to live in safe and supportive environments where they are treated with respect. When our workplaces, schools, and communities work together to uphold safety and respect, we make progress in preventing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.
| | | | Join Riverview Center on Thursday, April 10th at the Grand River Center in Dubuque for the 2025 Evening of Light fundraiser, featuring keynote speaker Kevin Mulcahy, a former federal prosecutor and survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Hear Kevin’s powerful story and learn how we can all do more to protect children and prevent harm. | | | World Autism Awareness Month | | |
Every April Autism Speaks celebrates World Autism Month beginning with United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd. For 20 years, Autism Speaks has stood alongside the autism community, igniting a global movement for understanding, acceptance, and lasting change. They fuel groundbreaking research, advanced critical advocacy, and opened doors to education, healthcare, and employment, creating a brighter future for people with autism.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States today.
| | National Alliance on Mental Illness | | As with all their programs, support groups are free and confidential. | |  | |
All programs and materials are FREE!
Questions?
563-557-6264
barb@namidubuque.org
ellen@namidubuque.org
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Register Today!
Email: greena@nicc.edu
Phone: (844-642-2338) Ext. 3130
| | Healthiest State Initiative | | | | |
The Healthiest State Initiative
is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization driven by the goal to ensure every Iowan can live their healthiest life. By engaging worksites, communities, schools, retail food, organizations, institutions and individuals, we work to create awareness and integrate solutions to improve the physical, social and mental wellbeing of Iowans.
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Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
- Wednesday, April 9, 2025
- 2:00 PM 3:00 PM
Make It OK is community campaign to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness.
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Back the Black - Make It OK Presentation
- Thursday, April 17, 2025
- 11:30 AM 12:30 PM
Join in the movement to Make It OK to talk about mental illnesses in the Black community.
Due to the sensitivity of this topic, they ask those interested in attending this presentation be part of the Black community.
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The Art of Delighting
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
6:30 PM 7:30 PM
The Innovation Lab
210 Jones Street Dubuque, IA
Learn why the art of delighting matters - to our bodies, our mental health, our communities, and our world – and walk away with tangible ways to incorporate more pleasure into our daily lives.
All are welcome. All are worthy. All belong.
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18th Annual Women of Achievement Awards Dinner
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Hotel Julien Dubuque
Grande Ballroom
200 Main St, Dubuque, IA
Each year the Women's Leadership Network of Dubuque honors women in the tri-states through the Women of Achievement Awards Event. The Women of Achievement Awards Event is designed to recognize and honor women who have already, or aspire to, provide significant contributions in their professional or community roles.
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Wellness Wednesdays
Join them every Wednesday for a day filled with connection, growth, and support!
Hillcrest Wellness Recovery Support Center
563-690-1239 or 563-207-5402
wellnesscenter@hillcrest-fs.org
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ASAC's Luncheon 2025
April 17, 2025
11:30AM — 1:00PM
Convivium Urban Farmstead: 2811 Jackson St Dubuque, IA
Support ASAC’s life-changing work and celebrate the transformative power of community engagement. Hear inspiring stories from ASAC alumni, staff, and Board members as we highlight our mission, raise awareness of substance use disorders, and look ahead to our future.
Doors Open at 11:30am
Lunch served at 11:45am
Short Program from 12-1pm
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Breastfeeding Support Group
1st and 3rd Thursday of every month
11 a.m. to 12
VNA, 660 Iowa Street, Dubuque, IA
Any mothers providing breast milk to their babies are encouraged to attend this free support group. Weight checks will be offered.
The group is facilitated by staff Lactation Counselors and IBCLC.
Questions?
Call Laura Knabel, RN, IBCLC at (563) 556-6200 ext. 1919
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ADHD and Sensory Workshop for Parents
Thursday April 10th
6:15 PM
Old Chicago
3100 Dodge St, Dubuque, IA
Gain valuable insights to better understand and support children with ADHD, anxiety, autism, and sensory processing challenges.
Free Admission – Registration Required
Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today!
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| | The Gay Agenda: Dubuque Area LGBTQ+ Resources | Stay connected with The Gay Agenda, a dynamic guide from the Dubuque LGBTQ+ Resource Network. It provides the latest info on local LGBTQ+ events, services, and support. Your go-to resource for everything LGBTQ+ in Dubuque! | | | |
55+ LGBTQ+ Coffee Meetup
Wednesday, April 9·10:00 – 11:30
Jitterz Coffee & Cafe
1073 Main St, Dubuque, IA
A social gathering for LGBTQ+ community members age 55+
Venue has ramp entry with manual door and metered street parking. Can be noisy.
This is a new event, so we are testing the water on what works for the group!
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Adult LGBTQ+ Support Group
Monday, April 14·18:00 – 20:00
Multicultural Family Center
1157 Central Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA
Free Bimonthly Support Group with 8–12 attendees, ranging in age from early 20s to early 40s, but anyone over 18 is welcome to join us.
All conversations are confidential and the group is a safe, respectful space for everyone.
The venue is fully accessible—no stairs, push-button entry at the corner of 11th and Central, and a sign-in sheet at the front desk for safety. Restrooms are single-stall, gender-neutral, and accessible.
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Contact Us
info@mhadbq.org
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