About.

The work of the Quad Cities Behavioral Health Coalition will be collaborative, inclusive, cross-sector, results-based, and unified by person-centered care principles supporting client choice. Our vision is that the QC region is known for outstanding, comprehensive, and coordinated behavioral health services that are accessible to all in a timely manner. The Coalition will collectively promote awareness and tell our community’s story, measure and showcase our progress, drive innovation, and support the identification of new resources.​

Established in 2019

Quad Cities Behavioral Health Coalition was founded in 2019 as a result of the community health assessment which determined that mental health was a top concern.​

Our Goal
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The QCBHC identified and prioritized the Zero Suicide Initiative, an evidence-based intervention framework, created to provide a set of solutions to address the increase in the number of suicidal individuals in the Quad Cities by providing best practice protocols, resources, and training to organizations working with suicidal individuals (www.zerosuicide.edc.org). ​

Steering Committee

Richard K. Whitaker, Jr., PH.D.
CEO, Vera French Community Mental Health Center / Co-Chair Innovation Team QCBH Coalition

I believe in the power of the coordinated best efforts of irreplaceable community providers and stakeholders to solve big community problems.​
Fun Fact: I played Willy Wonka in a community musical in 2010
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Erin Sodawasser- Hermiston, MPH
Clinical Instructor, St. Ambrose University

Mental Health is a public issue that needs to be destigmatized and given as much (if not more) attention than any other health issue. 
Fun Fact: l lived in Mozambique Africa for 2 years and have travelled back twice since! It's my second home!

Joe Lily
Director Outpatient Services, Unity Point- Robert Young Center/ Outcomes Committee Chair

Fun Fact: 

Nicole Carkner, MBA
Executive Director, Quad City Health Initiative (QCHI) / QCBHC Steering Committe Chair

​QCHI seeks to create a healthy community and mental health is essential to our overall health.  
Fun Fact: I love art--museums, fairs, and classes!​

​Cecelia Bailey, MBA
Executive Director of Quad Cities Open Network (QCON) / Funding and Resources Chair

​ I believe that we are better together; by coordinating efforts we can build a healthier Quad Cities.
Fun Fact:  I have been a dance teacher for 27 years, there is nothing better to me than watching a child grow into a confident and able adult!​
Quad Cities Behavioral Health Coalition
QCBehavioralHealth@gmail.com