Crosswinds Counseling and Wellness had a lot to celebrate in 2021.
Executive Director Amanda Cunningham conveyed this to Lyon County Commissioners as part of the annual Crosswinds year-end review report Thursday morning. Among the highlights of the report were several grant awards including a $2.4 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
According to Cunningham, the grant is being used to help increase the availability of mental health services to underserved populations. Locally, efforts have been focused on both the agricultural community and Hispanic population.
Cunningham says there is a significant need for mental health services locally within the ag community as evidenced by a rise in suicide rates over the past two to three years. Cunningham says a combination of factors has likely played a role in the increase.
As for residents within the Hispanic population, Cunningham says there has always been a stigma towards mental health services within Hispanic households. Cunningham says Hispanic families are traditionally very tight-knit and individuals often choose to confide stressors or mental health issues within family members rather than in a mental health professional outside of their familial circle.
She says it is important that individuals understand that mental health is not a unique issue affecting only them and that there is no shame in seeking professional help. She encourages anyone needing assistance to contact Crosswinds by calling 620-343-2211 or by visiting their website CrosswindsKS.org.
The report comes as Crosswinds is in the midst of a major move from its longtime home at 1000 Lincoln to the former Chi Omega Building at 1519 Merchant. Cunningham says that process is in a bit of a holding pattern at the moment as the agency is awaiting word on efforts to secure a second building before finalizing plans for the move.
In other business Thursday morning, commissioners approved the signing of both the annual federal forfeiture certification report, presented by Lyon County Sheriff Jeff Cope, and memorandum of understanding with Coffey County for the Lyon County Reception Center presented by Emergency Management Director Jarrod Fell.
The Lyon County Commission will reconvene for its weekly action session next Thursday at 9 am inside the Lyon County Courthouse Commission Chambers.
