Matt Weller, Clay Counts Coalition
Photo Courtesy of Canva
A new Mental Health and Suicide-Related Data Report from Pawnee Mental Health Services shows that mental health concerns continue to impact individuals and families across Clay County and the surrounding area that Pawnee covers.
According to the February 2026 report, there were 2,167 mental health-related emergency department (ED) visits across the Pawnee Mental Health Services catchment area between January and December 2025. The overall rate was 12.1 visits per 1,000 persons.
The Pawnee Mental Health Services catchment area includes Clay, Cloud, Geary, Jewell, Marshall, Mitchell, Pottawatomie, Republic, Riley, and Washington counties.
October recorded the highest number of mental health ED visits, with 233 visits. Adults ages 25–34 represented the largest age group for mental health visits (358 visits), followed closely by those ages 35–44. Females accounted for nearly 62% of mental health-related visits.
The data also shows 726 emergency visits in 2025 related to suicidal ideation (thinking about, considering, or planning suicide), with a rate of 4.0 per 1,000 persons. September had the highest number of suicidal ideation visits. Notably, youth ages 15–19 had the highest number of suicidal ideation visits (140), underscoring the continued need for strong prevention and support systems for teens and young people, which Clay Counts supports and funds.
While this data reflects significant challenges, it also shows a positive trend: individuals and families are reaching out for help during moments of crisis. Emergency department visits represent critical intervention points and opportunities for connection to ongoing care.
Locally, the Clay Counts Coalition continues to play an important role in prevention and awareness efforts across Clay County. The coalition brings together schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, faith leaders, parents, and other community partners (including Pawneee) to address youth mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention through education and collaboration. By focusing on early intervention and protective factors, Clay Counts works to reduce risk before a crisis leads to an emergency room visit listed above.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support.
