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*For Immediate Release:    *     
March 8, 2023
          
*Contact:    *     
Cassie Nichols
[email protected]

Governor Kelly Announces More than $500K to Support Suicide Prevention Organizations

*TOPEKA* – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), through its Kansas Community Suicide Prevention Grant program, has awarded $525,000 to address the ongoing crisis of suicide in Kansas. Fifteen community organizations have received $35,000 each to develop community-specific strategies to prevent suicide among at-risk Kansans. 

This expansion of suicide prevention efforts across Kansas is strengthened by the allocation of $1.5 million in state general funds to KDADS’ Behavioral Health Services Commission by Governor Kelly in fiscal year 2023.  

“Improving mental health in every community is essential to creating a healthy, thriving Kansas,” *Governor Laura Kelly said.* “By investing in organizations that directly work with Kansans in crisis, we are furthering our mission to prevent suicide and ensure every Kansan can access the mental health services he or she needs.” 

These 15 organizations across the state will engage in community- and evidence-based suicide prevention services and activities that prevent suicidal behavior; reduce suicidal ideation, attempts, and deaths; and address shared risk and protective factors: 


* Boys & Girls Club of Manhattan – Manhattan  
* Clay County Health Department – Clay Center  
* DCCCA – Lawrence 
* Finney County Community Health Coalition – Garden City 
* Kansas Black Leadership Council – Lawrence 
* Johnson County Mental Health Center – Mission, Olathe, Shawnee 
* Miami County Health Department – Paola 
* Nemaha County Community Hospital – Seneca 
* Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center – Chanute 
* Prime Fit Youth Foundation – Wichita 
* Republic County Health Department – Belleville 
* Flint Hills Volunteer Center – Manhattan 
* Suicide Prevention of Cowley County – Arkansas City 
* Wichita State University – Wichita 
* Youth Educational Empowerment Program – Wichita 

“Financial support for local suicide prevention efforts is a significant investment in the suicide prevention infrastructure of Kansas,” *KDADS Behavioral Health Services Commissioner Andrew Brown said.* “KDADS is working strategically with local partners to reduce the number of suicide deaths in Kansas, and these grants will strengthen prevention strategies in these local communities and promote a prevention mindset.” 

Grantees will be required to create a plan that includes conducting a community assessment, building suicide prevention infrastructure, addressing cultural competency, and ensuring suicide prevention efforts are evidence-based. Grantees will receive continued support from KDADS and the Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide, emphasizing diversity and inclusion. These grants are intended to serve individuals of all ages.  

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