24 Hour Crisis Line (316) 660-7500
Marilyn Cook, LSCSW - Executive Director
COMCARE provides a wide array of mental health and substance abuse services to residents of Sedgwick County. COMCARE is the largest of the 27 Community Mental Health Centers in the State of Kansas and is committed to helping individuals served lead more productive lives.
As the local mental health authority for Sedgwick County, COMCARE is the safety net for individuals in need of mental health services that cannot afford to obtain them elsewhere in the community. Good mental health is as critical as sound physical health. COMCARE serves over 14,000 individuals in the community and with the help of a significant number of community partners.
COMCARE's quality comprehensive services are prioritized and provided for all citizens regardless of ability to pay. Services are provided in the most cost efficient and cost-effective manner. Sedgwick County provides programs which are accessible to the public without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religious or political affiliations, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran.
News and Events
Wichita Transit Adds Bike Racks to Buses
The Wichita Transit Department has added bike racks to all of the transit
buses to accommodate the needs of riders. Each bus is equipped with one bike
rack, which can hold two bicycles. The bike racks increase transportation
options by allowing a bicycle trip to be incorporated with public
transportation. There are 48 city buses that travel 18 fixed routes.
"Transit riders have been asking for the bike racks and we are excited to meet
their needs," Wichita Transit Director Mike Vinson said. "We now are able to
connect these two important modes of transportation. We believe the racks will
increase ridership and help reduce pollution by encouraging the use of public
transportation and bicycles."
There is no extra charge to riders who use the bike racks. An ARRA stimulus fund
grant of $24,000 paid for the racks. For more information about transit
services, visit www.wichita.gov or call the
information line at 265-7221.
A Day of Healing for Survivors of Suicide
On Saturday, November 21, 2009, simultaneous conferences for survivors of suicide loss will take place throughout the U.S. and internationally. This unique network of healing conferences helps survivors connect with others who have survived the tragedy of suicide loss and express and understand the powerful emotions they experience.
The Sedgwick County Suicide Prevention Coalition will host National Survivors of Suicide Day on November 21 at Via Christi St. Joseph Medical Center in Wichita. View flier for further information and registration.
COMCARE Connection
COMCARE of Sedgwick County periodically releases a newsletter - COMCARE Connection - providing a window into the work this department is doing in our community.
The Economy and Suicide
The current world economic crisis has led to increased media and personal interest in the relationship between the economy and suicide. Click here to read more about this topic from the American Association of Suicidology.
If a family member or friend mentions suicide, take it seriously. Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline, 316-660-7500.
Sedgwick County Prescription Discount Card
Since 2004, Sedgwick County has partnered with the National Association of Counties and Caremark to provide Prescription Discount Cards free of charge to uninsured and underinsured residents of Sedgwick County. The discount card provides individuals an average 18% discount on their prescription drugs. For more information on this program and to learn how to receive a card, email or call Brandi Clarke at 660-7673.
Dealing with the Stress of a Pandemic
As information is presented about the influenza (H1N1) outbreak, it is natural to be concerned about what may happen. Some may even feel a bit overwhelmed about the things seen and talked about in the media or by people around us. To find out more about the signs of stress and how to talk to your kids, see the links below. For more information, call COMCARE of Sedgwick County, 660-7540 or the Crisis Help Line, 660-7500.
Mental Health Parity Becomes Law
Mental health advocates marked 2008 as a year in which they helped win passage of a landmark law to bring mental health parity protection to more than 100 million Americans covered by group health insurance. Passage of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act owes much to a relentless battle waged in order to educate lawmakers, win their support for comprehensive parity legislation, and persuade them to make parity’s enactment a vital priority.
Also achieved was another critical victory toward ending all discrimination against people with mental health needs: Legislation phasing out the inequitable 50 percent co-pay requirement on outpatient mental health care under the Medicare program. Supporters believe these longstanding discriminatory practices have helped keep stigma alive. With each legislative victory over discrimination we come closer to the day that all people view mental health conditions no differently than any other health condition.
Workplace Mental Health
Mental illness is becoming an increasingly widespread problem in the workplace. Find out how mental illness affects the workplace and what employers can do to help employees and alleviate those effects. Click here for more information.
Mission:
COMCARE of Sedgwick County helps people with Mental Health and Substance Abuse needs to improve the quality of their lives.
Vision:
We envision a healthy community where people are provided the support needed to reach their potential.
COMCARE
of Sedgwick County
First
Appointment – 316-660-7540
24-Hour Crisis Intervention Services – 316-660-7500
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