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Ottawa County proclaims May 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month
Summary
Central Kansas Mental Health Center presenters described regional mental-health challenges and urged collaborative responses; the board passed a proclamation recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month, 3-0.
Representatives from Central Kansas Mental Health Center—Gretchen Boym, Taylor Haws and Alyssa Jewell—presented a proclamation urging increased access to mental-health care and collaboration among providers, schools, law enforcement and community organizations.
Presenters cited statistics presented to the board: "One in three adults in Kansas report symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, and one in five youth experience a major depressive episode each year," and noted that 30 percent of individuals with mental-health challenges face barriers to care such as stigma and limited access. Gretchen Boym said the center works with local partners to connect people in crisis to care.
Commissioner Carla Grund asked which areas the center covers; Boym said they cover five rural areas and highlighted demographic differences that affect needs. Sheriff Russell Thornton confirmed the sheriff's office uses the center's services. The board moved and passed the proclamation designating May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month by a 3-0 vote.
