Comcare seeks $9.5M grant for crisis center expansion in Kansas

In a significant move to enhance mental health services in Sedgwick County, the Board of Commissioners approved two grant applications totaling over $10 million during their meeting on March 12, 2025. These grants, sourced from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), aim to bolster crisis intervention and mobile crisis response services provided by Comcare.

The first grant application seeks $9,480,592 to support the Bridal Intervention Center and Crisis Stabilization services. This funding is crucial as it addresses the rising demand for mental health crisis services, particularly for uninsured and underinsured residents. Tim Kaufman, the County Manager, highlighted that the Community Crisis Center has been operational since 2015 and has demonstrated significant cost savings for the community by effectively managing crisis situations. The new funding model requires a detailed cost report to better understand the financial needs of crisis services across the state, reflecting a shift in how KDADS allocates resources.

The second grant application, amounting to $1,418,598, focuses on mobile crisis response services. Comcare operates eight mobile crisis teams that are available 24/7, with an average response time of just 32 minutes. This service is vital for treating individuals in their own environments, helping to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations or incarcerations. Kaufman noted that a significant portion of those served by mobile crisis teams are uninsured, indicating a critical need for accessible mental health support.

Both grant applications were met with unanimous approval from the commissioners, who recognized the importance of these services in addressing mental health crises within the community. The funding decisions not only aim to enhance immediate crisis intervention but also to integrate more individuals into ongoing mental health services, fostering a healthier community overall.

As the county awaits the final decision on these grants, expected by April 1, 2025, the focus remains on expanding and improving mental health resources to better serve the residents of Sedgwick County.