Mental Health Advocacy Committee Meeting
Lori Barnes, Chair
11:00 a.m. Call to Order
Members - Note - please be sure you have selected a membership category for official committee membership. If you are an alternate designee for a group or provider, we can add that designation.
Statehouse reserved space - March 9, 2026 - State Capitol, First and Second Floor Rotunda and South Steps/Apron
2026 Agenda
Assign Volunteer Roles
- Fundraising - sponsor followup:
- Monica (Advent, Camber, Mission Healthforward) Moncia & Simon (Sunflower, United, Reach) Amy (Healthy Blue/Blue Cross, Via Christi, Cottonwood Springs) Lori (NetSmart, Prairie View) Colin/Susan (ACMHCK) Tim checking with Nathan (JO CO) Shelia ($500) (HQ)
- Volunteers- Need someone to coordinate various volunteers (see list)
- Legislative meeting set-up - Rebekah Darrow. rdarrow@healthsrc.org
- Exhibitors - Susan Rome - exhibitor registration opens in January
- Lunch - Mary
- Training - David, Chris, Lori
- Packets - Following up with Molly, Chad Childs delivering to Topeka 2/24th. Amy printing stickers/labels
- Name Tags- Sheilah (Monica to get organizing folder to)
- Registration - Working with Netsmart
- Cookies, snacks - Lori (cookie number by 2/27, approval of puzzle piece/colors) Amy sticker for cookies. Bundt cakes or ice cream? If bundt cakes then Strawberry/cream and confetti again? 170? Pick up on Saturday then I can grab Sunday? Costs: cookies $22 a dozen, 170 bundts $573, ice cream $1,800)
- Rally and Awards - emailed Ayoka Lee 2x, left message 2x. Keep trying or try another option?
- Issue Papers - Amy - Please review this updated testimony re: Continuum of Care. Committee members please review the 2025 issue papers for needed updates and amendments or new advocacy priorities (need to printer by 2/11ish)
- Accessibility for deaf and hard of hearing participants- Kelsey, Lori (have connected - she is out of office until 12/16).
- Photo Booth- Tim x2- second floor incentive
- Theme - Every Piece Matters (name tags, props for selfie station, stickers, cookies)
- Media press release schedule and who to (WIBW, KSN/KSNT, KWCH, others) Lori check with stations on Feb. dates to be on their programs. Send press release mid to end February.
- Lanyards - have 160 (need 350)
- Committee gear - working with Four County on buttons. Checking on size and date graphic is needed. (Kansas Mental Health Coalition ASK ME)
- Floor recognition. Lori (Sen Owens and Rep Hoffman)
Other reach outs - Amy (Governor), Tim checking with Nathan (Zero Reasons Why)
Tentative NAMI Smarts Trainings - (1) Wichita KS at Walter's Branch Library on Feb. 5 (Module 1), 12 (Module 2), & 19 (Module 3) at 4:30pm. Library will open up registration in January. (2) On-line Feb. 4th 3pm-6pm (or 530pm-830pm) Modules 1 and 3. (3) March 8th from 2pm-5pm in Topeka at NAMI KS Headquarters. Modules 1 and 3.
Tentative Upcoming Meeting Schedule: Jan. 9, Jan. 16, Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb. 20, Feb. 27, and Mar. 6.
12:00 p.m. Adjourn
