Genesis Psychology Associates, Genesis Heart Institute, Quad City Bank and Trust, and the Genesis Foundation will be making an official announcement to announce a new mental health program for cardiac patients and a corporate gift from Quad City Bank and Trust at 9 a.m. Wednesday, September 21, in the Genesis Heart Institute Lobby, 1236 E Rusholme St., Davenport, Iowa.
Heart disease and mental health are closely linked.
More than 40% of cardiac patients experience behavioral health problems, such as depression, anxiety, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Genesis Psychology Associates and the Genesis Foundation have received financial support from Quad-Cities Bank & Trust and bank CEO John Anderson to implement outpatient behavioral health services directly at the Genesis Heart Institute. In addition, this outreach program has placed a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) on-site to help identify and treat one of the neediest populations at a critical
time in their care.

Quad City Bank and Trust (QCBT) was founded on the idea of community. After experiencing a life-altering cardiac event myself, I soon realized there was a huge, unfilled community need for mental health care for patients who experience cardiac events. When presented with this opportunity, in conjunction with Genesis Health System, QCBT did not hesitate to provide a major corporate gift to help Genesis
provide essential mental health services to our community. We are thrilled to see this program materialize and to have had a hand in facilitating the process, John Anderson, CEO of Quad City Bank and Trust and former cardiac patient at Genesis Health System.

Anderson added, “Now, mental health resources are just a few steps away from where patients receive world-class healthcare services from Genesis, top-notch physicians, nurses, and staff as they recover both physically and emotionally. It’s unique when you serve as a conduit to fill community needs. It has been an emotional and humbling journey that brings me great joy.

“Those with heart disease or certain risk factors for developing it, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, family history, or diabetes, may be advised by their doctor to make lifestyle modifications,” says Jacqueline Madunic, LISW, Psychology Associates, Genesis Health Group.

“At Genesis, a collaborative care team works with heart patients to develop a tailored plan to help prevent heart disease or slow its progression.” Within the first couple weeks following a cardiac event, 15% of patients experience significant clinical depression, and another 25% experience milder symptoms of depression and anxiety. In a landmark study, the continued presence of depression after recovery increased mortality risk to 17% within six months after the heart attack (vs. 3% without depression).
In the case of PTSD, there is a 55% increase in the risk of cardiac-related mortality.
However, when treated for their PTSD, patients live approximately 3.5 times longer
than those not treated. Furthermore, literature goes beyond linking behavioral
health with increased survival and is associated with decreased medical costs
longitudinally.