Rising to the Challenge

The “Rising to the Challenge” digital report is designed to share the multi-faceted and collaborative work being done to improve and expand behavioral healthcare in Douglas County, Kansas.The Community Health Plan outlines three main ways to improve behavioral health in Douglas County: 1) Prioritize Prevention, 2) Improve Access to Care and 3) Promote Integration across the system of care.

Prevention is central to helping maintain a healthy community, heading off behavioral health crises before they start. Here, you’ll see the work underway or being done to educate youth and adults about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, noticing the signs of depression and anxiety and taking positive steps to address them.

Integration encompasses our community’s efforts to ensure that the different components of our medical and emergency systems interface smoothly and efficiently to best serve our community. We’re making it easier for individuals to heal, recognizing that health has physical, behavioral, social, and cultural components.

Access demonstrates our commitment to the belief that all Douglas County residents deserve affordable, local behavioral healthcare that fits into their busy lifestyles. We’re increasing community resources–from supportive and transitional housing to crisis services and psychiatric medical service providers–so that all community members can get the right care in the right place, every time.

As you explore this report, we hope you’ll take a moment to think about the behavioral health of those you love–including yourself—and rest assured in the knowledge that we’re committed to providing the behavioral healthcare prevention, integration, and access services you need right here at home.