Mental Health In the Know

A newsletter from Johnson County Mental Health Center

August 2026

I have mentored many postsecondary students over the past 20 years, most recently Gen Z. Gen Z has faced its share of stereotypes, including the perception that this generation entering the workforce is entitled and lacks a strong work ethic. However, I believe this is far from the truth.

Eight undergraduate interns chose to spend their summer at Johnson County Mental Health Center, dedicating their time to learning about community mental health and public service. Each student is carving their own path, but they all have something in common – a desire to create change and make a positive impact in the world.

Community behavioral health is about meeting people where they are and supporting them as they move forward. As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, Johnson County Mental Health Center (JCMHC) is committed to preparing the next generation of helping professionals. Through JCMHC's Summer Undergraduate Internship Program, students receive structured, hands-on experience without interacting directly with clients.

These students completed JCMHC's 2026 Summer Undergraduate Internship Program:

Sana A. (University of Kansas)
Kendall H. (MidAmerica Nazarene University)
Kallie H. (University of Kansas)
Olivia M. (University of Kansas)
Caroline R. (University of Kansas)
Maddi S. (University of Pittsburgh)
Grace V. (University of Kansas)
Bella W. (University of Kansas)

Whether they pursue careers in community mental health, public service or another field, each intern has already made a meaningful contribution to our community.

The opportunity to learn will continue this fall, when JCMHC welcomes graduate-level interns preparing for careers in a variety of fields, including counseling, psychology, psychiatric nursing, family medicine and more. Seven JCMHC employees will participate in an Employment-Based Practicum, a program that allows for an adjusted workload to accommodate practicum hours without a change in pay.

Seeing the curiosity, commitment and compassion of these students gives me plenty of reasons to believe the future of community mental health is bright.

Tim DeWeese

Director, Johnson County Mental Health Center

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Purchase Your Tickets for 2026 Shine a Light Fundraiser

Mark your calendar for Shine a Light, Friends of JCMHC's fifth annual fundraising event! This year’s event will feature the Beacon of Hope and North Star Awards, honoring the dedicated advocates and staff who make this work possible.

Over the past four years, Shine a Light has raised more than $300,000 for housing, education, treatment access and other essential needs for individuals served by JCMHC.

Purchase your table or individual tickets to Shine a Light.

U.S. Representative Sharice Davids Visits JCMHC

Earlier this month, U.S. Representative Sharice Davids visited JCMHC's Youth and Family Services Building.

JCMHC staff shared with Rep. Davids the services available to children, teens and families in Johnson County, including JCMHC's Youth Crisis Stabilization Center and Youth Respite Program.

These programs help ensure young people experiencing a mental health crisis (and families who need additional support) have access to compassionate, age-appropriate care close to home.

Learn more about the award-winning Youth Crisis Stabilization Center.

JCMHC Staff Attends Inspiring Women in Public Administration Conference

JCMHC staff represented the Center at the University of Kansas' Inspiring Women in Public Administration Conference.

Inspiring Women in Public Administration (IWPA) brings public sector professionals together to connect, learn and grow, with a focus on the unique experiences and challenges women face in public service.

Read more about IWPA.

Go Further Foundation Sponsors Free Mental Health First Aid Training

JCMHC is partnering with Go Further Foundation to offer free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for 100 community members in 2026.

Mental health challenges often show up in everyday moments, with friends, family, coworkers or neighbors. MHFA gives you the tools to recognize the signs, respond with confidence and connect someone to the help they need.

CALENDAR & SUPPORT GROUPS

Sept. 2: Start of JCMHC's Nine-Week Parenting Skills Class (Virtual)
Sept. 3 and 17: Parenting a Second Time Around (PASTA)
Sept 10: Youth Mental Health First Aid (Virtual)
Sept. 17: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Sept. 17: Johnson County Prevention and Recovery Coalition Bi-Monthly Meeting
Sept. 17: Shine a Light Fundraiser
Sept. 24: Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition Monthly Meeting
Sept. 25: FREE Adult Mental Health First Aid Training (In Person)
Sept. 29: Connected Conversations: Fentanyl Awareness

IN THE NEWS

News Stories & Clippings

Adam’s Story: Father who lost son to suicide helps others find help & hope – The Best Times

Johnson County Mental Health Center (JCMHC) offers a wide range of mental health and substance abuse services to Johnson County residents. The Mental Health Center serves as a safety net for individuals with the most severe forms of mental illness, including those who are unable to afford or access care elsewhere in the community. If we are not the appropriate provider for you, we will assist you in finding a provider in the community that can best meet your needs.

Johnson County Mental Health Center | 913-826-4200 | jcmhcinfo@jocogov.org | jocogov.org/mentalhealth

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