Two Iowa mental health and substance abuse treatment agencies announced they have merged to more effectively support the growing need for services in central and eastern Iowa. The merger between Community & Family Resources and Prelude Behavioral Services was effective July 1. Both CFR and Prelude offer prevention and education services, inpatient and outpatient treatment, transitional housing, gambling prevention and other mental health services. CFR offers these services in the Fort Dodge, Webster City and Ames areas. Prelude Behavioral Services will continue to offer these services in eastern and central Iowa under the name Community & Family Resources. The merger will “build upon the successful programs and services Prelude provided to central and eastern Iowa, by bolstering their infrastructure with the strong management experience of CFR.” CFR President Bob Thode said in a press release. “Both of our organizations have a strong and long-standing positive reputation in our communities and this merger will continue to serve our clients and families with no disruption.” The merger brings together the best of both organizations, said Prelude’s board chair, Char Austin. “Our mission is to serve individuals and families impacted by substance use and other mental health disorders, and this joining of forces will strengthen our ability to do such and reach more people.”