Each May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we remember how important it is to keep conversations around mental health going—not just in clinical settings, but out in the community, where we live, work, and play. One way we do that at Wyandot Behavioral Health Network is through our annual stART the conversation art exhibition.
The House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee has been directed to reduce Medicaid spending by $880 billion over the next 10 years. That’s a big number and could have a devastating impact on Kansans.
It seems like the world around us is changing faster than ever. You may feel like you’re living in a state of chronic uncertainty. The changes under the new administration have made this time especially stressful for certain groups in our community, including immigrants, people of color, and the LGBTQIA+ community
We are now less than a month away from our second Game Changer Gala. And while the gala is a great reason to get dressed up & spend an evening at Arrowhead Stadium, the gala is about so much more. We put this event together because it helps to support our programs and services that go beyond what is typically expected from a mental health center
Whether we are ready or not, the weather is getting colder, and the holiday season is in full swing. This time of year brings with it a new balancing act. How are we to manage spending time with family and friends, buying and wrapping gifts, cooking for and hosting or attending holiday parties? Oh, and don’t forget to find time to take care of yourself. It seems as if we have less time to do more
As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season, it is easy to get swept up in the hustle of daily demands, gift lists, and holiday gatherings. It can quickly become overwhelming and leave us feeling drained, rather than grateful. But there is an often-untapped power in gratitude. It has the power to lift our spirits and help us see the good in the world around us.
Each September we mark Suicide Prevention Month. Since last September, Wyandot Behavioral Health Network has made significant strides in our efforts to prevent suicide. But far too many lives continue to be lost to suicide in our community and across the country, underscoring the work that still needs to be done.
In July, 23 individuals in Wyandotte County made visits to emergency departments due to suicide attempts. This number is troubling, as it represents a significant increase from the monthly average of 16 in the prior three months. Behind each of these visits is a person in crisis, and the reality is that these numbers reflect just a fraction of the larger mental health challenges facing our community.
When John* first came to Wyandot Center, his goal was clear: to end his reliance on Social Security and return to school. After spending years working on cars with a loved one who has since passed away, John was eager to put that knowledge and experience to work and take another step forward. John worked at an automotive shop, but he knew he wanted to do more and he was eager to take the next step in his life.
"I always wanted to go back to school," he shared.
Meet Billy—a determined man with big dreams and an even bigger heart. For the past year and a half, Billy has been working hard at a local donation center, giving his all at his job despite some tough challenges.
Billy’s road to employment hasn't been easy. When Billy first came to Wyandot Center, he says he was depressed. He wasn’t able to drive to work due to a medical condition, which meant walking more than two miles or finding rides from friends, or taking an Uber. But Billy did not let these obstacles stop him. He saw each obstacle as a chance to prove how strong he is. At the end of each workday, his mom faithfully picks him up. Billy says the support from his mom has made his employment journey a little easier.
We all drive by people sitting at intersections with signs describing their plight and asking for money. We see homeless camps in our community or on TV and see groups of homeless individuals gathering on city streets. And we may experience a range of emotions including discomfort, fear, anger, or compassion in these moments. We may feel unsure about how to help. Or we may wish they would just go away.
Over the past several years, thousands of Wyandotte County residents have been involved in the development of the county’s current Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). These residents have voiced their concerns and goals for the health and wellbeing of this vibrant community. For the first time, Wyandotte County residents have identified behavioral health as a focus area, in addition to jobs & education, health care access, violence prevention, and safe & affordable housing. I’m proud to announce that Wyandot Behavioral Health Network has been chosen as the Lead Behavioral Health Agency for the 2024-2028 CHIP.
It has been nearly two years since the three-digit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline launched. As more calls begin to come in to the Lifeline, I’m proud to announce that Wyandot BHN is now up and running as a 988 call center. This means that calls to 988 that originate from a Wyandotte County caller will now be routed to our call center, which puts us in a better position to connect callers with other crisis services and support. Individuals in crisis can also reach out to 988 by text or chatting online at 988lifeline.org/chat/.
