• The suicide of Rev. Dennis Conway, a priest in the Archdiocese of Dubuque, has prompted increased conversations and initiatives regarding mental health within the Catholic Church.
• Archbishop Zinkula emphasizes transparency and openness about mental health struggles, a shift from past practices of blame and silence.
• The Archdiocese is forming a mental health task force to raise awareness and provide education about available resources for mental wellness.

The Archdiocese of Dubuque is addressing mental health with renewed urgency following the suicide of Rev. Dennis Conway. Conway's death has spurred church leaders to openly discuss mental health, a topic historically stigmatized within religious institutions. Archbishop Thomas Zinkula and Rev. Aaron Junge are leading efforts to promote understanding, provide support, and implement preventative measures to address mental health challenges among priests and parishioners.

• What: The Archdiocese of Dubuque is implementing a mental health task force, promoting open conversations, and providing support for priests and parishioners following the suicide of Rev. Dennis Conway.
• Who: Key individuals involved include Rev. Dennis Conway (deceased), Archbishop Thomas Zinkula, and Rev. Aaron Junge. The Archdiocese of Dubuque is the primary organization involved.
• When: Rev. Dennis Conway died by suicide in November. The mental health task force is recently commissioned. Psychological testing is done before entering seminary, and support is given to practicing priests.
• Where: The events occurred in the Archdiocese of Dubuque, specifically in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at St. Wenceslaus and Immaculate Conception churches.

The death of Rev. Dennis Conway served as a catalyst for change within the Archdiocese of Dubuque, prompting a re-evaluation of traditional views on mental health and a commitment to providing resources and support. The archbishop's emphasis on transparency marks a significant shift in the church's approach to mental health issues. The creation of a mental health task force signals a proactive effort to address mental wellness among priests and parishioners. The focus on psychological testing for future priests and ongoing support for practicing priests indicates a long-term commitment to mental health within the church.

Based on correspondence near the time of his death, Father Dennis clearly was suffering from an acute mental health crisis.

The more we can just be honest about it and more transparent rather [than] try and hide these kinds of things, it doesn’t help, I don’t think, in the long run.

The fact that it catalyzed prayer and conversation around the overall mental health of priests and religious is, I believe, God bringing good from a very tragic situation.

The Archdiocese of Dubuque's response to the suicide of Rev. Dennis Conway highlights a growing awareness and acceptance of mental health issues within the Catholic Church. The implementation of a mental health task force, coupled with increased openness and support, represents a significant step toward fostering a healthier and more supportive environment for priests and parishioners. While the long-term impact of these initiatives remains to be seen, the initial steps taken demonstrate a clear commitment to addressing mental health challenges and dismantling stigma.