Bert Nash Center and DCCCA Partner to Expand Mental Health First Aid Across Douglas County

The Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center and DCCCA are proud to announce a new partnership to expand access to Mental Health First Aid training throughout Douglas County, ensuring the community continues to benefit from a program that has equipped thousands of individuals with the tools to recognize and respond to mental health challenges.

Bert Nash Center and DCCCA team members celebrate a new partnership to expand Mental Health First Aid training across Douglas County.

In 2008, Bert Nash Center was one of just seven pilot sites in the United States selected to offer Mental Health First Aid training. Since then, the program has equipped thousands of teachers, parents, healthcare professionals, first responders, employers, and community members with the skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use challenges.

When David Johnson retired as CEO in 2017, supporters established Dave's Dream through the Bert Nash Center Endowment Fund to sustain and expand Mental Health First Aid in Douglas County. The initiative funded a full-time instructor position, and in 2018, Julia Gaughan became the Center's first dedicated Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Over the next seven years, the program delivered 359 classes and trained 4,431 community members.

Following Julia's departure in late 2025 to pursue a lifelong calling in ministry, the Bert Nash Center began evaluating how best to continue and strengthen the program for the future. During that process, DCCCA approached the Center about creating a collaborative model that would build upon the strengths of both organizations and expand access to Mental Health First Aid.

Through this collaboration, DCCCA will provide coordination, training support, and operational capacity while working closely with Bert Nash Center's Community Engagement team. Together, the organizations will offer public and private trainings, expand outreach efforts, and increase opportunities for community members to gain lifesaving skills that support early intervention, prevention, and community wellbeing.

"Mental Health First Aid has transformed how our community talks about and responds to mental health," said Emily Farley, Chief Advancement Officer at the Bert Nash Center. "This partnership allows us to build upon Dave’s Dream by ensuring that Mental Health First Aid remains accessible, sustainable, and available to more people than ever before. We are excited to partner with DCCCA to continue creating a community where everyone feels equipped to support someone experiencing a mental health challenge."

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to increasing community understanding of mental health and substance use, equipping individuals with practical response skills, expanding access to evidence-based education, and strengthening the network of organizations working together to support community wellbeing.

"The skills you learn through Mental Health First Aid will help you effectively encourage mental wellness and can save a life," said Chrissy Mayer, Chief Community Based Services Officer at DCCCA. "We're excited for this partnership with the Bert Nash Center and continue empowering those within the Douglas County community."

Mental Health First Aid teaches participants how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, how to approach and support someone who may be struggling, and how to connect individuals with appropriate professional resources. Similar to CPR for physical health emergencies, Mental Health First Aid provides practical skills that can make a meaningful difference in someone's life.

Community members interested in learning more about upcoming Mental Health First Aid trainings can visit https://www.bertnash.org/mhfa.

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About DCCCA: DCCCA provides social and community services across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri that improve the safety, health, and well-being of those we serve. Founded in 1974, DCCCA continues to honor its commitment to the community by providing valuable human services that help enrich and improve the quality of life for adults, youth, and children.

Media Contact: Alex Wiebel

Marketing and Communications Manager

1207 SW Executive Dr. Ste B, Topeka, KS 66615

awiebel@dccca.org | (785) 430-4021

About the Bert Nash Center: Established in 1950, the Bert Nash Center (BNC) serves as Douglas County, Kansas’ designated community mental health center & Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). BNC is the safety-net provider to anyone grappling with mental health or substance use issues - regardless of diagnosis, residence, or financial status. Our mission is to advance the mental health of the Douglas County community through comprehensive behavioral health services responsive to evolving needs and changing environments.

Media Contact: Daniel B. Smith

Community Engagement Coordinator

200 Maine St. Ste A, Lawrence KS 66044

dsmith@bertnash.org | (785)-830-1854