2023 News Releases

The Missouri Mental Health Foundation, in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health (DMH), is proud to present the opening of the 2023 Director’s Creativity Showcase Thursday, February 23, 2023.  The art exhibit will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the DMH Central Office at 1706 E. Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO.

“Making the art available for public viewing is just one of the ways we can help reduce stigma associated with having a mental illness, developmental disability, or substance use disorders,” says Katie Andrews, Executive Director of the Missouri Mental Health Foundation.  “The artwork is inspiring and shows the amazing talents of many individuals faced with mental health issues.”

The artwork is created not only for the showcase, but also as a means of therapy and recreation by people with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or in recovery from substance use disorders served by the Department of Mental Health. 

 The Missouri Mental Health Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness and public understanding of the many issues that impact individuals and families who are living with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. Its efforts battle stigma and discrimination, promote care and treatment and foster inclusion in the community and the workforce.  “Sharing some of the artwork we receive is one small way we can celebrate the abilities of those with mental health conditions,” says Andrews.

For more information about the 2023 Director’s Creativity Showcase contact Tynesha Bryan at the Missouri Mental Health Foundation at (573) 635-9201 or e-mail tynesha.bryan@missourimhf.org.

Today, Governor Mike Parson announced that the Missouri Governor’s Challenge Team to Prevent Suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families has launched a new website to further the state’s efforts in reducing suicides: www.mogovchallenge.com.

The site provides general information on the team’s projects and strategic priorities, the impact suicide is having on the military community, and resources for both members of the military community and for anyone wishing to support them. The website also offers access to free online military culture and suicide prevention training through PsychArmor for health care providers, Veterans, employers, military family members, and others.

Missouri established a Governor’s Challenge team in 2021 under Governor Parson’s leadership. The Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families is a non-partisan state interagency team created to collaborate, plan, and implement suicide prevention best practices and policies for service members, Veterans, and their families across the state.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration originally launched the Governor’s and Mayor’s Challenges to bring together leaders in community and state governments to prevent suicide among service members, Veterans, and their families.

The Missouri Governor’s Challenge Team consists of members from the Governor’s Office, Department of Mental Health, Department of Social Services, Missouri Veterans Commission, Office of the State Courts Administrator, Missouri National Guard, Department of Corrections, Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development, American Legion - Missouri, Compass Health Network, Missouri AgrAbility, Missouri Behavioral Health Council, Missouri Institute of Mental Health - Safer Homes Collaborative, Missouri Suicide Prevention Network, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Stay connected on Facebook & Twitter: @MOGovChallenge.

For more information contact info@mogovchallenge.com.

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) recently released the Missouri Well-Being Playbook which shares strategies and resources to promote organizational wellness. It provides practices used in behavioral health and developmental disability state operated facilities and programs, as well as other diverse hospital and healthcare settings across the state.

Though some topics are specific to healthcare settings, many are general and can be applied to diverse workplace settings. The Missouri Well-Being Playbook is intended to be used by a team who will work through the seven steps to organizational well-being and figure out how their agency can address each step.  

“The Department of Mental Health recognizes that burnout is not a new problem. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted new challenges and exacerbated the ongoing workforce crisis,” said DMH Director, Valerie Huhn. “This renewed focus on mental health, wellness and trauma informed care is necessary to support all of Missouri’s workforce.”

The Missouri Well-Being Workgroup is made up of individuals from DMH, Missouri Hospital Association, Cox Health System, SSM Health, Mid-America Regional Council, and St. Louis Area Regional Response System.  The project was funded by Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Missouri’s Crisis Counseling Program “MO Show Me Hope.”

View the Missouri Well-Being Playbook or access other DMH Wellness Resources. Mental health and wellness is for everyone in every community.

For more information contact Rachel Plaggenberg at Rachel.Plaggenberg@dmh.mo.gov or 573-751-6714.