Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Seeks Transportation Solutions for Mental Health Crises

Currently, individuals in crisis may face challenges in accessing appropriate services, often relying on law enforcement or remaining in emergency rooms. KDADs plans to award a single statewide contract with a budget of nearly $2.5 million for this initiative, which is part of the Behavioral Health Services Program within the Kansas Rural Health Transportation Program, managed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

At present, the state has a fragmented system consisting of regional or countywide transportation options. Even where services exist, they may not adequately address the needs of people experiencing mental health emergencies. James Byrd, co-founder of Personalized Acute Medical Transportation, noted that their service, which operates in the Topeka, Wichita, and Kansas City areas, lacks the necessary training and resources to effectively manage mental health crisis situations. “A lot of companies, like my company, they're not equipped to deal with that type of passenger,” he stated.

Michelle Ponce, from the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas, emphasized that the state does not currently have a reliable transportation solution for these crises. Transportation often falls to local law enforcement or other means that may not adequately address the needs of individuals experiencing behavioral health issues. Ponce explained that the responsibility for providing specific behavioral health services lies with Kansas and its counties. The 25 Kansas Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) form a crucial statewide support system, serving over 120 locations and providing essential services.

Additionally, Ponce indicated that no one can be admitted to a state psychiatric hospital without prior screening by a community mental health center to determine their care needs. In a statement from KDADs, Secretary Laura Howard highlighted the pressing need for such a system, calling the establishment of a dedicated crisis transportation service "a critical step in strengthening Kansas' behavioral health infrastructure."

Rachel Schnelle covers issues related to Missouri and Kansas for KRPS, and the Kansas News Service collaborates with multiple media outlets, allowing stories and photos to be republished by news media with proper attribution.