News Events

Each year, Wyandot BHN presents the Zevenbergen Community Partner Award to a valued community partner in recognition of their efforts to promote a healthier and stronger community. This year, the award was presented to the Unified Government of Wyandotte County & Kansas City, Kansas and the UG Public Health Department.

Some of the most significant events in the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals are when they decide to talk to friends and loved ones about their sexual orientation or gender identity.  We often refer to these events as “coming out,” or in years past, “coming out of the closet.” Indeed, October 11th is recognized as Coming Out Day, designed to commemorate and celebrate these brave and vulnerable moments.

Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. But safe and affordable housing is out of reach for too many people in Wyandotte County. Without a home, it is nearly impossible for someone to focus on caring for other needs, including their health, employment and important relationships.

This summer was supposed to mark our return to some sort of normalcy. COVID-19 vaccines were widely available and certain pandemic restrictions were easing. It was the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. But now, just when we thought we had found our footing once again, the rug has been pulled out from under us.

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to witness Governor Laura Kelly sign HB 2208, a historic piece of legislation establishing Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) in the state of Kansas. This is a big moment.