After more than two decades of service, Henry County’s General Assistance Director Sarah Berndt has officially transitioned the department to the Public Health Department, marking the end of the county’s standalone General Assistance office. The change comes as part of a broader realignment of mental health and disability services across Iowa, which led to the dissolution of several local departments, including General Assistance.
“This is my last report. I am no longer the General Assistance Director,” Sarah Berndt announced in her final update to the Board. “We transitioned to Public Health yesterday, keeping the same phone number.”
She spent the last several weeks preparing for the handoff, including updating all forms with Public Health Director, Katie Reuter’s information; requesting website updates, and notifying community partners—such as funeral homes—of the change.
The transition also involved hours of collaboration with the new team. “A lot of my time recently—about 10% during the last reporting period—was spent working with Katie and her staff, going over how I did things, and making sure the files were transitioned,” she said. Those records are now being scanned and stored under the Public Health department.
During her final report, she shared that there were 19 contacts in the past month, many of which involved questions or requests for applications that were not completed. She also handled two cremation requests that ultimately didn’t move forward due to eligibility issues—one involving a Lee County resident and another with incomplete follow-through.
As she concluded her report, one of the Supervisor Chairman, Marc Lindeen offered thanks: “I just want to publicly say thank you for all you’ve done. June 4th will mark 24 years of your service. We wouldn’t be where we are without your guidance.”
“It’s been a great 24 years,” Sarah responded. “A few rough days, sure—but most have been really good. It’s been an honor to serve the county.”
Though her title and department may be gone, her dedication to public service continues in Henry County.