Meeting will focus on mental health

The percentages of people who reported at least one depressive episode in the previous year is higher in Kansas than the national averages ñ and percentages have been increasing, according to the 2022 Kansas Behavioral and Mental Health Profile. This is also the case for people who had serious thoughts of suicide or who have been diagnosed with a mental illness.

State and local officials and area providers have been working to expand mental health services to meet the growing need in our community. MSSCís membership meeting on Feb. 6 will provide updates on some of the new programs and facilities that have opened or are planned.
One of the updates will be the planned new psychiatric hospital. An advisory panel has gathered public opinion about the proposed hospital and discussed the facilityís size, location and operational needs.

Other updates include renovations at St. Joseph Hospital, KUSM-Wís new Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, and COMCARE and its planned new downtown facility.

Psychiatrist Sheldon Preskorn will lead a panel discussion featuring Scott Brunner, deputy secretary of the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services; Abbey Cotter, director of behavioral health at Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph Hospital; Joan Tammany, executive director of COMCARE; and Cassie Karlsson, MD, director of the psychiatry fellowship.

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Mental Health Updates

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 6, 6:30-8 p.m.
WHERE: McNamara Center, Ascension Via Christi
St. Joseph Hospital
COST: Free. Light snacks provided. Spouses welcome.
RSVP: Call (316) 683-7558 or email denisephillips@med-soc.org