Cherokee Mental Health Institute

The Cherokee Mental Health Institute is a state-run psychiatric facility located in Cherokee, Iowa. It was established in 1902 and is currently under the authority of the Iowa Department of Human Services.

History[edit | edit source]

Early years[edit | edit source]

In 1890, plans were made to build a fourth mental hospital in Iowa, with northwest Iowa being the chosen location. After a campaign by Cherokee residents, the city was selected as the site for the new hospital. Construction began in 1894, but it took several years and struggles to secure funding for the building. The hospital, initially known as the "Cherokee Lunatic Asylum," opened on August 15, 1902. The first superintendent, Dr. N. Nelson Voldeng, worked tirelessly to prepare the facility for its initial intake of 700 patients. Patients were transferred from other hospitals in Independence and Clarinda via special trains.

Over the years, the hospital underwent name changes, from "Iowa Lunatic Asylum" to "Cherokee State Hospital.

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" Its original purpose was to provide care for alcoholics, geriatrics, drug addicts, the mentally ill, and the criminally insane.

References[edit | edit source]

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