Mental Health Month is a time to educate ourselves about the realities of mental health. And I was encouraged to see nearly 700 Kansas Citians doing just that at the Mental Health KC Conference earlier this month. While the conference primarily attracts mental health professionals, it is also starting to reach more corporate and business community members, as well as parents and others in the community who just want to deepen their understanding of mental health.
The COVID-19 National Emergency has now come to an end. And while that doesn’t mean that we’re living in a “post-COVID” world, I think many of us would agree that we can finally breathe a collective sigh of relief. But if you ask me, there has been a silver lining to come from the pandemic. It helped us normalize mental health and the need for support.
This week, Wyandot Behavioral Health Network learned it has received a 3-year reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). CARF is an international organization that sets standards for mental health and other rehabilitation services. Wyandot BHN received its initial 3-year accreditation in March 2020.
Wyandot Behavioral Health Network (BHN), a nonprofit providing comprehensive behavioral health and housing services to children, adults and families in Wyandotte County, is celebrating 70 years of service to the community on Thursday, April 6.
For years, Wyandot BHN has closely partnered with law enforcement and the local judicial system to ensure that individuals involved in the justice system have access to quality behavioral health services. Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that 44 percent of those in jail and 37 percent of those in prison have a mental illness. Those numbers are even higher for individuals experiencing substance use disorders. And incarceration can make existing mental health or substance use challenges even worse.
In addition to the individual, group and family services we provide, Wyandot BHN also oversees a program dedicated to building a trauma-informed and resilient community. Called Alive & Thrive, the program works to raise awareness about trauma and what communities can do to help heal from it. Their work is critical, especially in Wyandotte County, where poverty, systemic racism, and relatively high rates of crime expose many people, especially children, to chronic stress—a key contributor to the county’s poor health and behavioral health outcomes.
Each February, we celebrate Black History Month. It is a time to deepen our understanding of not only the contributions of the Black community, but also of the Black experience.
Earlier this month, I was listening to post-game interviews on the radio while on my way home from a KU basketball game. As the interviews were wrapping up, one of KU’s young guards, Joseph Yesufu, was asked about his new year’s resolution for 2023. And what he said struck me. He said he was going to do one thing every day for someone else.
The idea of doing something kind for someone else – even if you don’t do it every day – is something we should all consider, especially if you are looking for ways to improve your mental health in 2023.
Due to the forecast for Thursday, December 22nd, Wyandot BHN will delay opening outpatient and administrative offices until noon. Morning appointments for psychiatry, therapy, case management, etc. will be moved to telehealth. RSI and all 24/7 services will remain open. Crisis services for children and adults will also be available.
If you need to reschedule an appointment, please call (913) 328-4600. If you need immediate help, call our 24/7 Crisis Line: 913-788-4200.
Wyandot BHN has long held Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) as a priority. However, for far too long, our commitment to DEI has not been documented in a formal, public manner. As we begin our 70th anniversary celebration and continue to put a greater emphasis on diversity and cultural competency, we are pleased to share our new DEI statement.
Wyandot Behavioral Health Network has been fortunate to be able to serve the Wyandotte County community for seven decades. And as 2022 draws to a close, we are launching a year of celebrations – commemorating 70 years of service to the community.
