Kenny Lewis’ story illustrates the many benefits of a new Sunflower Diversified Services program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
    But it also illustrates the frustration caused by the local and statewide waiting list for services that address these disabilities.
    Lewis recently qualified for Sunflower’s Health Outreach program and is now getting proper medical and mental health services, as well as help with nutrition, grocery shopping and home maintenance, said Ladeska “Decky” Makings, Sunflower’s chief operating officer.
    What he is not getting are day/employment and residential services due to Kansas’ long waiting list for Medicaid-funded supports.
Health Outreach is based on a project sponsored by the state of Kansas and its managed care organizations. These are the insurance companies involved in the KanCare system for low-income residents.
    “Our Health Outreach is an added service. It is not a substitute for residential or day supports,” Makings explained. “It is especially important because of the waiting list.”
    Before Sunflower started the program, Lewis could receive only targeted case management, which is limited in what it can offer. It is the only entitlement program for people with IDD.
    “A case manager is assigned in such instances,” Makings said. “But services are extremely limited. We cannot offer many of our programs for persons in crisis unless they are approved by the Community Developmental Disability Organization (CDDO) and then the state.”
    A CDDO serves as the gatekeeper for who gets crisis funding and who doesn’t.
    “About a year ago, Kenny asked for crisis funding from the local CDDO but it was not approved,” Makings said. “We continue to be concerned and have provided as much support as possible.
“Kenny made the first request because of serious health issues related to his diabetes,” Makings continued. “He recently made a second request because of these health issues, as well as financial exploitation. That request is pending.”
His participation in Health Outreach means that he is learning how to monitor his blood sugar, trying to lose weight and managing his high blood pressure.
    His case manager or a member of Sunflower’s medical team can now accompany Lewis to appointments with his physician and therapist. As a result, he can better understand what a doctor recommends.
    “Yes, this is a relief,” Makings said. “But Health Outreach only fills a few of the many gaps in the services Kenny needs. It is not protecting him from financial exploitation or helping him find a job.
    “He really wants and needs a place to work, and his choice has always been our manufacturing plant,” she added. “It is heartbreaking that we are not allowed to help him do this.”
    Brandi Demel, Sunflower’s full-time registered nurse, said Health Outreach is making a huge difference in Lewis’ life.
    “It is not an exaggeration to say it is a life-saving program,” Demel noted. “Health Outreach is making a positive impact but we could do so much more. He is making headway but not near what this gentleman deserves.”
    In yet another twist of fate, Lewis has two brothers that are currently receiving Sunflower’s day and residential services. They qualified before the waiting list became so long and there was state funding available.
    “His brothers are thriving because of the help we provide,” Demel commented. “They were declared eligible back when the money was there. Now there are thousands of people on the waiting list.”
    Makings pointed out that Demel and her staff have done “an exemplary job developing Health Outreach. In fact, they are exceeding expectations. The team’s licensed practical nurse, case managers and other personnel should be commended.
    “We have been told by the KanCare insurance companies that we are far and away ahead of everyone else,” Makings said. “They have even asked Brandi for advice.”
    Sunflower, a non-profit agency, serves infants, toddlers and adults in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties.