Howard County Social Services is part of the County Social Services (CSS) region providing services for people with mental illness. People may call or Text the statewide crisis response line, Your Life Iowa, for mental health, drug, alcohol, and gambling related crises including suicidal thoughts. Crisis response services include immediate evaluation and when possible de-escalation and stabilization of the situation. This may include contacting local police for an immediate welfare check or recommending and arranging for the person to be seen in the Veterans Memorial Center emergency room. Emergency room staff may arrange for entry to the Crisis Center in Waterloo for stabilization.