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

Angela Ganzer-Bovitz, MS, MPA
Director of Behavioral Health for Genesis Medical Center / Chair Promotions Team

Is part of the Coalition to collaborate with other agencies in the community to improve care for those with mental health and/or substance abuse.

Fun Fact: I love to paint, so if I am not working, I am likely painting to relieve stress!

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

Ann S. Garton, DNP, RN, FPCC, CNE 
Director, St. Ambrose University Institute for Person- Centered Care and Associate Professor, Nursing 

I believe by joining together as a coalition, we enhance efforts to advocate for by joining together, we can advocate for improved programming, innovate new programs, and support one another in our journey to reach optimal health as a community. 

Fun Fact: Over the pandemic, I began to learn to play the Bodhran (Irish frame drum) via Zoom with a fella in Ireland. ​

Verletta Saxon, PH.D., LCPC
Zero Suicide Lead

I believe that coalitions help communities collaborate, connect and develop new programming that governments and businesses can not accomplish on their own. 

Fun Fact: I love all forms of art and I am an artist in my free time​.

Nicole Carkner, MBA
Executive Director, Quad City Health Initiative (QCHI) / QCBHC Sterring 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!​

Dennis Duke
President , Robert Young Center for Community Mental Health/ Outcomes Chair

Why are you apart of the QCBH Coalition?

Fun Fact: Tell something fun about yourself

Quad Cities Behavioral Health Coalition
QCBehavioralHealth@gmail.com