By Jayson Henderson

Forty-two individuals convened at the Riley County, KS Government Public Works Building for the Riley County Mental Health Summit, organized by the Riley County Mental Health Task Force. Diverse stakeholders from institutions such as Ascension Via Christi, RCPD, Kansas State University, and Pawnee Mental Health Services came together to reflect on the Task Force’s achievements since its inception in 2012.

Key accomplishments were highlighted, including the Mental Health Co-Responder Program, Crisis Stabilization Unit, and CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) Council. Pawnee Mental Health Services presented their innovative initiatives, including CCBHC, IPS, and ACT teams.

Attendees then collaborated in small groups to identify pressing community needs, notably local inpatient psychiatric services, medical detox facilities, and enhanced mobile crisis response systems for various demographics. Facilitated by experts from Kansas State University and RCPD, the summit set the stage for further local mental health system assessments, with public participation encouraged on October 10, 2023, at Pottorf Hall. Outcomes from these events will inform future action plans.