Kansas Mental Health Coalition
Speaking with one voice to meet critical needs of people with mental illness.
Agenda
Click on underlined items for web links.
Kansas Health Institute, 212 SW 8th Ave #300, Topeka, KS 66603
See parking guide
August 13, 2025
9:30 a.m. Welcome and Introductions President Monica Kurz
Minutes of the previous meeting. View minutes draft.
9:35 a.m. Reports
Board of Directors - June report - KMHC will expedite the process for establishing advocacy priorities beginning in August/September to align with Legislature's budget process and shorter legislative session.
Financial Report – Mary Jones
Advocacy Committee – Lori Barnes
Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council – Diana Marsh - Council report and reports from members serving on the Council or subcommittees. See Annual Subcommittee Reports posted here: https://www.kdads.ks.gov/services-programs/behavioral-health/governor-s-behavioral-health-services-planning-council/gbhspc-subcommittees
Big Tent Coalition - Mike Burgess
KanCare Advocates Network - Sean Gatewood
Consumer Programs - CAC, CRO, P3, Clubhouse, Other
Parity Committee - Susan Rome/Mary Jones
Suicide Prevention Coalition - Kane Sheek
988 Crisis Line - Monica Kurz
10:00 a.m. Agency Update: KDADS - Drew Adkins and Leigh Keck
10:30 a.m. Member Updates - five minutes each (include your request with RSVP)
Bobby Eklofe, Camber Mental Health
Lori Barnes, Supported Decision Making
Mike Burgess, Disability Rights Center
Koleen Garrison, Consumer Advisory Council
Becky Fast, Nat'l Association of Social Workers, Kansas Chapter
Sue Lewis and Simon Messmer, Mental Health America of the Heartland
Mary Jones, Mental Health America of South Central Kansas
Nick Reinecker, Individual Advocate
Brooks Robertson, Headquarters Kansas
Terry Roberts, Lifeworx
NAMI, Kansas
ACMHCK
11:20 a.m. Lobbyist Report - written
- Proposals for Consensus Issues - with the expedited legislative process, members are encouraged to submit their issue proposals as soon as possible. See sample issue paper. Submit your issue paper proposal and request time on an upcoming agenda to campbell525@sbcglobal.net.
- Interim Committees:
Special Committee on Health and Human Services - Aug 19-20
Legislative Budget Committee - Aug 26
Child Welfare System Oversight - October 15
Senate Committee on Govt Efficiency - Sept 9, Oct 14
Robert G. Bethell Joint Committee on HCBS and Kancare Oversight - Oct 13-14
- Agency Stakeholder meetings for budget input this week - KDADS/KDHE
- Proposed Federal budget cuts
- Disability Protection and Advocacy / Disability Rights Center Programs
11:25 a.m. Announcements
11:30 a.m. Adjourn - Catered lunch ($10 pay on website)
2025 Schedule - Jan 22, Feb 26, Mar 26, April 23, May 28, June 25, July 23, August 13, September 24, October 22, November 19, December 17
Board Meetings: 11:45 a.m. quarterly the 4th Wednesdays (March 26, June 25, Sept. 24, Dec. 17)
For more information, contact: Kansas Mental Health Coalition
c/o Amy A. Campbell, Lobbyist, P.O. Box 4103, Topeka, KS 66604
785-969-1617 campbell525@sbcglobal.net
