Free transportation to wellness checks and other mental health appointments available for Allamakee County residents

Mental Health Today/Matt Howe Tribute Endowment (MHT), in partnership with the Alice Hermeier Foundation Endowment, has announced plans to use its 2020 endowment disbursement to provide transportation for Allamakee County residents of all ages to and from wellness checks, mental health checks and mental health therapy appointments. Both endowments were created through and are held by the Allamakee County Community Foundation (ACCF), an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque.

“The Allamakee County Community Foundation has made the brain health of our region a priority for our research and grantmaking. We are proud to support funds like MHT and the Alice Hermeier Foundation, which are making an impact for residents who need it most,” said Betty Steege, ACCF Coordinator.

Rides will be provided at no cost by Northeast Iowa Community Action EARL transit services. Appointments can be within Allamakee County or outside its borders.

To schedule transportation for such appointments, call toll-free 866-382-4259. Transit offices are open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). To maximize service, 24 hours advance notice is requested, but same-day requests will be accepted dependent on driver and vehicle availability. Deaf or hard of hearing individuals can use Relay Iowa 711. To request Spanish Relay, dial 800-264-7190.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our daily lives in almost every way, putting a strain on the mental health of many people,” said Rachelle Howe, who founded MHT with her sister-in-law, Becky Decker, in honor of Howe’s husband and Decker’s brother, Matt Howe, who took his own life in February of 2018. “Add reduced socialization and the financial strains of lost work, and people who really need to get to appointments may be unable to afford the trip or access their regular ride. The goal is to keep our neighbors healthy.”

The Allamakee County Community Foundation was formed in 2005 as an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. The founding members of the organization had a vision to ensure that local communities’ charitable programs were supported - now, and in the future. The Foundation works with many individuals, families, businesses and organizations to establish endowment funds that will provide grant awards for years to come. Learn more about MHT or the Foundation at dbqfoundation.org/accf.