When local representatives of the #Zero Reasons Why program talked with state officials recently in Topeka, the main message was there is a need for more funding and increased access to mental-health care and treatment.
#ZRW is a teen-led, suicide prevention campaign, which is administered by The Center for Counseling & Consultation, 5815 Broadway, Great Bend.
The message was spread March 7 during Kansas Mental Health Advocacy Day at the State Capitol. Holly Bowyer, #ZRW teen liaison, and Julie Kramp, executive director, represented The Center at the day-long event.
They were accompanied by active participants in #ZRW at Hoisington High School.
“Seven Hoisington students had the opportunity to spend a little time with Gov. Laura Kelly and others officials,” Bowyer said. “They also helped man the #Zero Reasons Why booth where they shared information with anyone who stopped by to learn more about the program.”
Other officials included Rep. Brett Fairchild, R-St. John; Sen. Alicia Straub, R-Ellinwood; and Secretary Laura Howard and Commissioner of Behavioral Health Services Andrew Brown, both representing the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.
“Legislators and other officials were responsive to the students and thanked them for advocating for mental-health services,” Bowyer commented. “This interaction was one more way we can help reduce the stigma of discussing mental health; it was great to give our local students a voice.
“The special event also illustrated that officials are actively involved in this issue. Students got a taste of work that is being done to help make a difference.”
In addition, the Hoisington students talked with their peers from Johnson and Sedgwick counties.
Julie Kramp at The Center commended the officials “who took time out of their day to listen to the teens explain the importance of what they are doing locally in #Zero Reasons Why. They each shook hands with Gov. Kelly, who noted the importance of their voices for the future of mental-health care in Kansas.
“They learned more about state government – the people and processes involved in legislation,” Kramp added. “The students demonstrated intelligence and thoughtfulness. It was wonderful to see them interact with officials, while noticing that the more than 500 people at the event share their passion to enhance mental-health services, reduce the stigma and encourage community collaboration.”
Hoisington High School
Jennifer Steinert, business instructor, noted the experience “allowed the students to step outside their comfort zones and talk with strangers about their passion for enhancing mental-health care. They explained what they have done at our school and throughout the community to raise awareness, while noting the positive impact #Zero Reasons Why has had on our student body.
“This advocacy day also allowed us to rally with other organizations with the same agenda and make a statement to state government that mental health is as important as physical health,” Steinert elaborated. “It was powerful to witness teens and adults come together for the same cause. It was extremely rewarding for me and I am so proud of our young people.”
The Center for Counseling & Consultation is a Community Mental Health Center serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.
