News & Notes

During Black History Month, we take time to recognize and celebrate the history and lasting impact of Black individuals. We also reflect on the strength, resilience, and leadership that continues to shape a more just and compassionate future. This month we are recognizing the critical role Black mental health professionals have played in expanding access to care. This month we'll share the spotlights on influential Black mental health leaders who have shaped the field.

During Black History Month, we take time to recognize and celebrate the history and lasting impact of Black individuals. We also reflect on the strength, resilience, and leadership that continues to shape a more just and compassionate future. This month we are recognizing the critical role Black mental health professionals have played in expanding access to care. This month we'll share the spotlights on influential Black mental health leaders who have shaped the field.

The Bert Nash Center is proud to announce the release of its 2026–2028 Strategic Plan , marking the second cycle of our three-year strategic planning process. Building on the foundation established through our 2022-2025 plan, this new strategy reflects the specific needs, opportunities, and realities of where we are today. This plan charts our path forward. Honoring where we’ve been and strengthening our commitment to excellence and the values that shape how we serve our com

During Black History Month, we take time to recognize and celebrate the history and lasting impact of Black individuals. We also reflect on the strength, resilience, and leadership that continues to shape a more just and compassionate future. This month we are recognizing the critical role Black mental health professionals have played in expanding access to care. This month we'll share the spotlights on influential Black mental health leaders who have shaped the field.

Security Benefit awarded the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center with a $25,000 grant to support the Judge Jean Shepherd Youth Recovery Center. This new, youth-focused, crisis center is being developed to serve youth and their families by providing 24/7 crisis intervention, short-term stabilization, and outpatient treatment in a single facility.

Six months ago, I stepped into this role during one of the most challenging financial periods in our agency’s history. Our rapid growth and the increasing need for mental health services stretched our internal systems, while growing financial pressures have added additional strain to the broader healthcare environment.  We addressed these challenges head-on by refining financial systems for greater effectiveness, and making making strategic decisions to ensure our long-term s

JoAnna reflects on connecting with other parents at the Bert Nash Center Parent Support Group. The resources shared by the facilitator and connecting with other parents who were navigating similar challenges was life-changing.

Jessica is determined to make sure everyone who needs to hear it knows they are not alone. She calls her work with clients – something she never thought she’d have the opportunity to do – her “heart and soul.”

When Carol Huettner, a North Lawrence resident, recognized a woman in crisis, her quick thinking and knowledge of the Treatment & Recovery Center (TRC) of Douglas County helped ensure the woman received immediate, expert mental health care.

Dani Edwards, Senior Director of Finance The Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Dani Edwards as Senior Director of Finance.   Dani has more than 12 years of finance and leadership experience, most recently at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, where she focused on financial reporting, stakeholder management, compliance, operational risk, and organizational leadership. With a proven record of driving financial strategy, str

The Treatment & Recovery Center (TRC) of Douglas County. After being initially recommended for a provisional Crisis Intervention Center (CIC) License by the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) in March of 2025, beginning October 2025 that license is now officially permanent. A review of the Treatment and Recovery Center’s (TRC) care and treatment policies, procedures, and operations was conducted by KDADS and found to meet substantial compliance. The CI

The results of our 2025 client satisfaction survey.