When people think of economic development, it often slips their minds when considering such things as health care professionals, Iola Mayor Steve French said this week.
They should probably make note of what’s occurring at the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, French said at Monday’s Iola City Council meeting.
French made his comments while proclaiming May as Mental Health Month.
On hand were representatives from the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center, which is headquartered in Iola and services a six-county area in southeast Kansas, including Allen.
“Within this last year or two, we have greatly advanced our services,” noted Nathan Fawson, the health center’s CEO.
As such, SEKMHC’s workforce has exploded over the past few years.
“To illustrate what that means, our center, for 15 of my 20 years, was pretty stable at about 100 employees,” Fawson told the Council.
But in 2022, the center was one of the first organizations in the state to earn certification as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic.
The certification opens doors in the form of grants and other opportunities for SEKMHC to expand treatment of patients for their overall health, and work more closely with other care providers.
“Our goal is treating the whole person, and not only their mental health needs,” Fawson said.
As a result, SEKMHC’s workforce stands at 300, and demand remains strong for future growth.
“We’re very appreciative of the support of Iola and Allen County and neighboring counties,” Fawson said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to serve.”
Established in 1961, SEKMHC is a non-profit organization that offers mental health services, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.
“How do we achieve that?” Fawson said. “In part, by way of local funding support, and the recognition that not all can pay, but we all deserve and need professional help at times.”
Fees are based on a patient’s ability to pay on a sliding scale, even up to waiving fees altogether if appropriate, Fawson said.
