A pair of local entities will take a deep look into the community’s mental health needs and how best to go about achieving those needs.
The Flint Hills Wellness Coalition and Riley County Health Department’s Local Mental Health System Assessment will be held on Tuesday, October 10 at Pottorf Hall. Coalition Chair Debbie Nuss says this came about after last year’s community health improvement plan process, which saw mental health rise as a top priority.
The two groups are hoping to find solutions, based on community input that the groups can present to local government officials, aimed at helping overcome barriers to the mental health needs in the community.
Riley County Health Department Health Educator Shanika Rose says a 2019 Community Needs assessment found 32% of those surveyed locally said affordable mental health services was a top priority, while 28% affordable health insurance that would include mental health and 21% said addressing stigmatization of those with mental health issues was a concern.
Registration for the event closes on Wednesday, Oct. 4 and can be done through the Flint Hills Wellness Coalition’s Facebook page.
The local mental health system assessment will be conducted over two sessions on Oct. 10 – from Noon until 2 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pottorf Hall, 1710 Avery.
The event is free and open to the public.
