Local mental-health provider reports higher client volume, improved months after financial plan

Vicky Mader, identified in the meeting as "Vicky Mader, Verizon's Mental Health Center," told the commission the center served 516 clients in the most recent quarter, up roughly 115 from a year earlier. "We serve 516 in the last 0.25, which is up a little bit from the previous 1," she said, and reported strong client-reported outcomes: about 90% of clients say services are helping them.

Mader presented financial statements through the end of May showing a monthly positive EBITDA of $399,400 but a year-to-date operating loss of $153,000. She said an earlier projection anticipated a $3,500,000 loss but after a financial-performance plan launched in January the center now projects to end the year with a smaller loss. Mader described operational factors (billing issues and no-shows) that contributed to prior shortfalls and plans to monitor delivery metrics to reduce no-shows and cancellations.

She also said the center did not receive direct rural health transformation grant money but will partner with the University of Kansas, which secured funds, to bring KU-hired community health workers into local teams — KU will cover salaries while the center handles integration and navigation. Finally, Mader requested Pratt County submit one to three nominations to fill the county's representative seat on the center's board when LaJuana Lackey's term expires at the end of January; she said bylaws limit members to two three-year terms.