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on 4/1/2026
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BLOGS from St. Anthony
Burnett has been with St. Anthony for nearly two decades. She began as a licensed practical nurse in the mental health unit in 2008, later advancing to become a registered nurse. In 2013, she earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing with the goal of one day serving as director of mental health. By 2018, she achieved that goal — first as interim director and then as director. Throughout each step of her journey, St. Anthony supported her growth and helped bring her vision for the future to life.
“St. Anthony is where I found mental health,” says Burnett. “It was my first career in mental health, and it’s where I found the field I was meant to be in.”
The Building Blocks for a Strong Future
As a full-time employee, Burnett participated in St. Anthony’s Tuition Assistance Program. The hospital reimburses 100% of tuition costs for approved courses for full- and part-time employees, up to $2,000 per employee per year.
“I took advantage of the program each year, and I also applied to scholarships through the St. Anthony Foundation,” she says. “I received scholarships for my bachelor’s and my master’s.”
One such scholarship was the Sharon Staton Peters Memorial Scholarship, which was especially meaningful, as Burnett had previously worked alongside Staton in the mental health unit.
Through mentorship from colleagues and financial support from the hospital and foundation scholarships, she was able to solidify and build her path in mental health care.
A Mental Health Advocate for Life
In 2026, Burnett took another big step in her career. She earned her Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner credential — a challenging but rewarding milestone that caps her years of dedication to mental health care.
“Deb’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible at St. Anthony — where people can grow their careers while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” says Allen Anderson, president and CEO of St. Anthony. “We’re proud to invest in our team and expand access to mental health care in our community. Deb’s journey reflects both her dedication and our commitment to meeting patients where they are.”
Now, Burnett hopes to broaden her impact within the St. Anthony patient community, using her growing expertise to support even more individuals navigating mental health care needs.
“I often think of those struggling with mental health as a misunderstood population,” she says. “They need an ally. There’s often a stigma attached to mental health, and we have to advocate for those who struggle to advocate for themselves. I think about the things I’ve gone through in my life, and without a support system, it would have been tough. I want to be that support for others.”
In her role, Burnett helps patients navigate medication management, working with them to develop care plans that integrate medication and other therapies to support their mental health.
“I want to bring as much joy to people’s lives as I can,” she adds.
Through the mental health unit, the care team provides both inpatient and outpatient consultations. Most patients are seen about once every six weeks, allowing the team to monitor progress, adjust medications as needed and provide a therapeutic, patient-centered approach to care.
Preparing for Mental Health Awareness Month
With Mental Health Awareness Month around the corner in May, Burnett is even busier than usual, planning for the hospital’s fifth annual Mental Health Matters 5K — an effort she’s spearheaded from the start with Chaplain Angelo Luis.
“It began when Chaplain Luis said he wanted to raise funds for mental health,” she says. “He’s an avid runner, so we decided, ‘let’s do a 5K.’ The turnout was so amazing the first year that we decided to make it an annual event.”
From there, Luis and Burnett brought in additional teams to support the event, including social workers and other staff members.
The funds generated from the 5K go toward supporting community members in need.
“When I was inpatient director, we saw so many unhoused people with no clothes, no basic toiletries, no phone, etc.,” explains Burnett. “So, as staff members, we would always go buy these items for them. Then, we decided, ‘let’s have the 5K funds help with that.’”
To date, the 5K has raised over $25,000 in four years. These funds have helped purchase appliances, propane tanks, Tracfones and medication, as well as helped pay for past-due balances on bills.
“Our fund puts a little bit of hope back in someone’s life,” says Burnett. “When they feel overwhelmed and are behind, it’s exhausting and can bring them down and worsen their mental health symptoms. We’re doing something that instills a little hope in them and helps lead them back on a better path.”
This year’s Mental Health Matters 5K takes place Saturday, May 2, starting at Fairview Elementary School in Carroll. Check-in is at 8 a.m., with the run at 9 a.m. All ages are welcome to join. Registration is $20, and participants receive a free T-shirt and breakfast pizza and have the opportunity to take part in a silent auction. The theme is “In every story, there is strength,” honoring the courage and resilience of individuals in their toughest times. To register for the 5K, visit this link.
Beyond the 5K, Mental Health Awareness Month also serves as an important reminder that no one is alone in their struggles, and St. Anthony is available every step of the way.
“What I want people to know is there’s no shame in reaching out,” says Burnett. “We all struggle in different ways. At St. Anthony, we’re here to provide judgement-free care with the goal to simply improve your mental health. We want to work alongside you and help in any way we can.”
If you need mental health support, reach out to Burnett and her team at 712-794-5435. In a crisis, call 988, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Additional resources include Your Life Iowa and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which offer tips and educational materials to improve mental health.