The Iowa Department of Human Services has partnered with researchers at Mathematica to conduct a systemwide assessment of community-based services for people with behavioral health, disability and aging needs. Community-based services are the services individuals need — such as case management, personal care, home health care and transportation — to stay in their homes and neighborhoods rather than an institutional setting. The assessment seeks to understand how people access and use these services through Medicaid and other programs. By early 2023, the research team expects to make recommendations to enhance and improve service delivery.?With their partner, the Harkin Institute, the research team is currently gathering input from Iowans in two ways: through an online feedback form and with a series of listening sessions to be held across the state. First, beginning July 5, Iowans can share their experiences with community-based services in a feedback form available at www.CommunityServicesIowa.com. The form will accept responses through Aug. 31. Second, the research team is hosting listening sessions with people who receive community-based services and their families, caregivers and providers. Outreach teams will host the sessions between July and November this year. Those interested in participating in an in-person or virtual session in their area must register, as session space is limited. You can sign up by emailing harkinoutreach@drake.edu or by calling 515-271-3688.