Mental Health In the Know

A newsletter from Johnson County Mental Health Center

June 2026

Art by Kelsey Hoines (From left to right)

"Swimming in Fabric" (2019), "Orvieto: Via del Duomo" (2018), "Origami Series: 1" (2016)

Recently, we announced that Johnson County Mental Health Center (JCMHC) was launching the 2026 Artist Residency Program in collaboration with the Arts Council of Johnson County.

Research shows that engaging with art can inspire hope, support emotional expression, and help people share their lived experience with mental illness. The resident artist will explore the connection between art and mental health, while representing the individuals we serve and reducing mental health stigma.

By the end of the Artist Residency Program, the artist will have created a collection of narrative-based artwork that can be shared through a traveling exhibition, long-term online gallery and installations in JCMHC's offices. The artist will retain ownership of their artwork, allowing them to have creative and fiscal control.

After reviewing nearly 50 applications, I am proud to share that we have selected Kelsey Hoines as our first resident artist. Kelsey received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art with a concentration in painting from Kansas State University in 2019. Much of Kelsey's art is inspired by her personal mental health journey, her childhood in Okinawa, Japan, where her family was stationed and her time studying abroad in Orvieto, Italy.

I look forward to seeing Kelsey's creative process unfold and the meaningful collection of art that will emerge from experiences and artistic vision. I also hope this journey will enrich her life as much as it will enrich our organization and the people we serve.

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.

The Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition Hosts Coordinating Adult Crisis Care Summit

The Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition's Coordinating Adult Crisis Care Summit united healthcare providers, first responders, community organizations and other partners to explore ways to reduce barriers and improve care coordination.

The event was made possible by the generous support of Netsmart and AdventHealth, as well as the insights and data shared by presenters, panelists (pictured) and moderators.

Learn more about the Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition.

JCMHC Presents at 2026 Mental Health KC Conference

During the 2026 Mental Health KC Conference, JCMHC staff shared two presentations highlighting innovative approaches to improving mental health and overall well-being in the community.

Care Where Trust Lives: An Innovative Approach to Addressing Chronic Health Conditions in Community Mental Health

Tim DeWeese, LMSW, Director of JCMHC
Rachel Itkonen, FNP, JCMHC Staff Member
Ryan Speier, MSW, Integrated Psychiatric Consultants
Vishal Adma, MD, CMQ, CPE, Integrated Psychiatric Consultants

The Secure and Protect Initiative: Culturally Informed Approach to Firearm Suicide Prevention

Shana Burgess, LMSW, JCMHC Staff Member
Mallory Gevertz, JCMHC Staff Member
Patrick Bainbridge, Kansas City Veterans Affairs
Ryq Farnow, Up In Arms Kansas

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

July 3: JCMHC and Genoa Pharmacy Closed in Observance of Independence Day
July 16: Adult Mental Health First Aid (Virtual)
July 16: Parenting a Second Time Around (PASTA)
July 16: Johnson County Prevention and Recovery Coalition Bi-Monthly Meeting
July 23: Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition Monthly Meeting

IN THE NEWS

News Stories & Clippings

Johnson County offers resources ahead of July 1 kratom and 7-OH ban – Johnson County Government

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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