Missouri Mental Health Foundation outlines programs for veterans' mental health

Jordan Hebison, community engagement coordinator for the Missouri Mental Health Foundation, told the Missouri House Committee on Veterans and Armed Forces that the foundation serves as the education arm of the Missouri Department of Mental Health and runs statewide programs designed to reduce stigma, connect people to care and spotlight peer-led recovery work.

Hebison described several recurring programs: the Director’s Creativity Showcase (an art-therapy event open to people with mental illness, substance-use disorder or developmental disabilities); the Real Voices, Real Choices conference (peer-planned workshops and networking); the Respect Institute (a weeklong training for people in recovery to develop storytelling and peer-support skills); and an Inclusive Golf Program that provides equipment and free lessons in partnership with Turkey Creek in Jefferson City. She also described the foundation’s Mental Health Champions program and annual banquet (the banquet was noted as scheduled for May 1 in Jefferson City at Capital Plaza).

Hebison said the foundation fields requests for presentations and speakers through its website and that its services are available statewide. She stated the foundation receives a grant from the Department of Mental Health, raises funds through events such as the Champions banquet (including a silent auction) and solicits donations and sponsorships; she said exact budget totals and staffing numbers were not provided on the record and that her director, Katie Andrews, could provide more detailed budget information.

Committee members asked about statewide outreach and whether veterans were served; Hebison replied that veterans are included within the populations served and that family members seeking information can also receive referrals. Representative Harbison asked about the foundation’s partnerships; Hebison said the foundation partners most frequently with the Department of Mental Health and with local organizations when co-sponsoring events.

Hebison highlighted Roger Koch, identified as a Mental Health Champion and a certified peer specialist who oversees a veteran-integration program at the Ozark Center, as an example of peer-led veteran support and resource navigation.

The committee expressed appreciation for the presentation and the foundation’s work connecting Missourians to services. A committee member requested more detailed budget and staffing information be provided to the committee or to the chair for distribution; Hebison offered to have her director follow up.