2023 News Releases

Notes to editors/reporters:

• Cameras will be allowed to film starting at 11:00 a.m. CT prior to the start of the press conference
• B-roll of the 988 Lifeline ASL service and soundbites from DeafLEAD staff, along with a press release announcing the new service, will be available for download on Friday morning
• Representatives will be available for media pull-asides prior to and after the event

Columbia, MO—On Friday at the University of Missouri’s Peace Park, subject matter experts from the federal, state, and local levels will hold a press briefing to announce the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline adding nationwide American Sign Language (ASL) services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing callers.

Missouri-based DeafLEAD is one of the two providers of this new nationwide service. Following the press briefing, the Missouri Department of Mental Health will host a celebration of the one-year anniversary of the 988 Lifeline, with exhibits, speakers, performances and food, at the same location.

WHO:

• Monica Johnson, Director of the 988 and Behavioral Health Crisis Coordinating Office at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the federal agency that oversees the 988 Lifeline
• Tia Dole, Chief 988 Lifeline Officer at Vibrant Emotional Health, the 988 Lifeline national network administrator
• Nora Bock, Director of Behavioral Health, Missouri Department of Mental Health
• Sol Romero, Videophone Crisis Lines Operations Manager for DeafLEAD
•  Michele Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Community Crisis Services, Inc.

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. CT (12:30 p.m. ET)

WHERE: University of Missouri’s Peace Park, 401 S. 9th St., Columbia, MO 65201 (signage will be posted to guide members of the media to the press conference).

Please RSVP and send any questions to Dani Bennett via email at Danielle.Bennett@samhsa.hhs.gov.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

Notes to editors/reporters:  

• Cameras will be allowed to film inside Harris-Stowe State University, Early Childhood and Parenting Education Center, starting at 10:30 a.m.
• Representatives will be available for pull-asides prior to and after the event.

St. Louis, MO – On Thursday, state, local and national leaders in suicide prevention and behavioral health, including Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe and U.S. Health and Human Services Region Director Joseph Palm, will meet at Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) to discuss youth and young adult mental health. They will also be discussing the first year of the transition to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and how it’s impacting Missourians. A student-led pep rally and mental health information fair will follow the discussion.

WHO:  

• Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe
• U.S. Health and Human Services Region Director (Region 7) Joseph Palm
• Dr. Cammie Conner, Director of Counseling and Prevention Services, Harris Stowe State University
• Monica Johnson, Director of the 988 and Behavioral Health Crisis Coordinating Office at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the federal agency that oversees the 988 Lifeline
• Tia Dole, Chief 988 Lifeline Officer at Vibrant Emotional Health, the 988 Lifeline national network administrator 
• Nora Bock, Director of Behavioral Health, Missouri Department of Mental Health
• Dr. Bart Andrews, Chief Clinical Officer, Behavioral Health Response 
• Dr. Sean Joe, Benjamin E. Youngdahl Professor of Social Development, Washington University in St. Louis
• Students and representatives from HSSU

WHEN: Thursday, September 7, 2023, 11:00 a.m. Central Time 

• 10:30 a.m.          Representatives available for one-on-one media pull-asides
• 11:00 a.m.          Roundtable discussion begins
• 12:00 p.m.          Mental health pep rally begins
• 12:30 p.m.          Additional time for pull-asides

WHERE: Harris-Stowe State University, 3026 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103. Signage will be provided to guide members of the media to the roundtable.  

Please RSVP and send any questions to Dani Bennett via email at Danielle.Bennett@samhsa.hhs.gov.  

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.  

The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Missouri Council has named a new Coordinator for the state. Sergeant Ashley McCunniff, supervisor of the CIT Unit at the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD), has agreed to take on this role.  The MO Council is confident that CIT will continue to expand and thrive under her leadership.

The purpose of CIT is to address the challenges that often arise when law enforcement officers encounter individuals with behavioral health conditions in crisis situations. 

Sgt. McCunniff’s new coordinator position was announced at a recent CIT statewide meeting. The CIT MO Council appreciates the support of the Department of Mental Health (DMH), the Missouri Behavioral Health Council, the KCPD and the McCunniff Family. 

McCunniff replaces Sheriff Jason Klaus who served for more than five years as the MO CIT Coordinator. He was recently appointed Perry County Sheriff. Sheriff Klaus’ exceptional involvement, dedication, and support for the wellness of first responders made MO CIT a national leader.  He will remain involved in the MO CIT as the Southeast Missouri Regional CIT Coordinator.

“I recall a small, dedicated group of CIT officers from across the state who established the original framework for today’s statewide CIT initiative.  Sergeant McCunniff was a key leader within that original team,” said Brent McGinty, President/CEO of the Missouri Behavioral Health Council. “I can’t think of a better candidate to carry on the incredible leadership standard created by Captain Jeremy Romo and Sheriff Jason Klaus.” 

“Passion for an idea or concept is often hard to find.  MO CIT has been blessed to have so many great leaders to mold CIT into an internationally recognized model.  Sergeant Ashley McCunniff stands out as one of those leaders,” said Sheriff Jason Klaus, Former CIT MO Council Coordinator. “As the next MO CIT Coordinator, Sergeant McCunniff will get to lead this passionate team, from all across this state, into the next phase of transforming Missouri's crisis response system.” 

“I had to privilege of working with Sergeant McCunniff when I was the Missouri State CIT Coordinator.  She was actively involved in the early expansion efforts of CIT in Missouri.  I am grateful to the Kansas City Missouri Police Department for allowing Sergeant McCunniff to take the role as the new Missouri CIT Coordinator,” said Captain Jeremy Romo, St. Louis County Police Department. “I have absolute confidence that Sergeant McCunniff will continue to improve CIT in Missouri where it is already a model for the rest of the country.”

For more information contact Debra Walker at debra.walker@dmh.mo.gov or Sgt. Ashley McCunniff at ashley.mccunniff@kcpd.org.

There is a new micro-learning wellness program for educators called TeachWell. The Department of Mental Health (DMH) Office of Disaster Services (ODS) recently launched this comprehensive program which aims to support the mental health and well-being of today’s educators in Missouri.  

Emotional and mental well-being directly impacts an educator’s ability to create a positive learning environment for students. TeachWell offers a series of short courses addressing key topics such as preventing burnout, seeking help, the benefits of movement, managing depression and anxiety, as well as self-care and team care. Courses are pushed out every two weeks and can be received by email or text.

“There are numerous requests each year from educators for wellness training and TeachWell is one way to conveniently provide this training across the state.” said Beckie Gierer, Director of Disaster Services. “TeachWell will help cultivate resilience, enhance mental health, and have a positive impact on educators and their students.”

Schools throughout Missouri are encouraged to contact DMH for TeachWell promotional posters, table tents, wallet cards, etc.  These items are available at no cost to school districts. Contact Beckie.Gierer@dmh.mo.gov to request resources.

To sign up go to: TeachWell.  For more information contact Rachel Plaggenberg at Rachel.Plaggenberg@dmh.mo.gov or 573-751-6714.

On July 26, 2022, Missourians in the St. Louis area experienced historic flash flooding. It was the most rain ever observed in a single day. The impact of this disaster left many individuals in St. Louis and St. Charles displaced and struggling to rebuild their lives.

As the one year anniversary of this event approaches, the Show Me Hope FEMA Crisis Counseling Program (CCP) reminds survivors that if you are struggling with anxiety, stress, or any other mental health issues as a result of the flooding, help is available.  

Survivors are encouraged to visit Show-MeHope.org or call their area provider listed below. Professional counselors can teach coping and stress management skills, help with anxiety, as well as provide enhanced community connections that are needed to recover and rebuild life after a disaster.

ALM Hopewell Center, St. Louis City – 866-376-0962

BJC Behavioral Health, St. Louis City & County – 314-747-7492

Compass Health Network, St. Charles County – 888-237-4567

Also, check out What to Expect Around Disaster Anniversaries. Find more resources on Show-Me Hope or contact Rachel Plaggenberg at rachel.plaggenberg@dmh.mo.gov or 573-751-6714.

Three remarkable Missourians who have overcome mental health challenges to make life better for themselves, others, and their communities will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 9, as the 2023 Mental Health Champions by the Missouri Mental Health Foundation (MMHF).  The event will take place at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City and recognize the following Champions:  Amye Trefethen of Jefferson City, Merna Leisure-Eppick of Branson, and David Gould of O’Fallon. MMHF will also present a “Lasting Legacy” award at the banquet to Dr. John Constantino, formerly of St. Louis, for his contributions to mental health in Missouri.

“These individuals have a meaningful role in their communities and promote the importance of self-determination, recovery, and education about mental health disorders, including mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders,” said Katie Andrews, Executive Director of the Missouri Mental Health Foundation. “Their personal stories as well as their accomplishments are inspiring.”

Amye Trefethen

Through her life experiences with mental illness, she has developed self-advocacy and educational programming that is being delivered state-wide. She has a unique ability to see a need, conceptualize an understanding of what it would take to meet that need, and figure out how to do that while operating within the boundaries of the organizational framework. Amye’s sole motivation is to help those around her. She is smart, kind, and thoughtful, and she has raised the consistency and the quality of the programming at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Missouri. It’s part of her belief that we fight stigma every day through actions and behaviors.

Merna Leisure-Eppick

As an individual in long-term recovery, Merna has spent more than 30 years dedicated to serving others by working and volunteering in the treatment and recovery support sector. Merna’s has spearheaded several organizational projects leading hundreds of Missourians to have safe, accountable, affordable, accredited housing and recovery support services. She donates countless hours, mentors others in recovery, and leads the charge of implementing evidence-based approaches to her work with the community. Merna’s goal is to see others find the peace and success she has found in her own recovery.

David Gould

Even though he has several developmental disability diagnoses and is functionally nonverbal, David continues to shine as a role model demonstrating how a person with disabilities can live independently with support. David has built relationships and natural support with many people in his community and is truly living his best life. David’s goal is for everyone to have equitable access to their community to live, work, have a life partner, and pursue happiness. He is helping to erase stigma by engaging members of the public that aren’t familiar with developmental disabilities, and he does it all on his own.

John N. Constantino M.D.

Dr. Constantino served as a Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at Washington University in St. Louis, where he directed a research program in childhood social development. He led the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Hospital from 2009-2022 and served on the Missouri Mental Health Commission.  He pushed for defining best practices for individuals with autism as well as those with both mental illness and developmental disabilities. His many contributions and dedicated service to the mental health field in Missouri make him a Lasting Legacy.

For more information contact Tynesha Bryan at (573) 635-9201 or email Tynesha.bryan@missourimhf.org.

Governor Parson has proclaimed May 2023, as Mental Health Awareness Month in Missouri.  The Department of Mental Health (DMH) in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Missouri, as well as other agencies, are committed to sharing resources, providing treatment and help to those in need, and promoting public understanding of mental health conditions.

Children’s Mental Health Week is May 7-13.  During this week Missourians are asked to celebrate by taking a moment to “ring a bell for hope.” Take a photo or make a recording of the ringing of a bell during the week and post it to social media with the hashtag #Ring4Hope. 

Did you know, statistics from NAMI show:

• approximately one in six children/youth (ages 6-17) experience a mental health disorder each year;
• fifty percent of those with lifetime mental health challenges first experience symptoms by the age of 14; and
• one in five American adults experiences an episode of mental illness every year.

During the month of May, shine a light on the importance of mental health for the children, youth and all citizens of Missouri. For more information contact Debra Walker at 573-751-1647 or debra.walker@dmh.mo.gov.

The Department of Mental Health’s (DMH) Hawthorn Children’s Psychiatric Hospital (HCPH) recently received the Silver Bell Seal from Mental Health America (MHA).  The Silver Bell Seal recognizes HCPH for its Workplace Mental Health. According to MHA, this national certification program recognizes employers committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces. Led by MHA’s history in research and advocacy, “the Bell Seal's holistic evaluation of employer practices considers the entire employee experience.”   This certification is based on four categories: workplace culture, benefits, compliance, and wellness programs.

“Attracting and retaining staff is a real challenge for the department. Anything we can do to enhance an employee’s workplace experience increases the likelihood they will stay,” said Valerie Huhn, DMH Director.

This is the second award for HCPH’s workplace culture. Earlier this year the hospital was recertified by the Sanctuary Institute for its continued use of the Sanctuary model and having a trauma informed culture. According to the Sanctuary Institute the focus of HCPH “is not only on the people who seek treatment, but equally on the people and systems who provide that treatment.”

“I’m really proud of the Hawthorn team for their commitment to creating a supportive work environment,” stated Nora Bock, DMH-Division of Behavioral Health Director stated. “The work they do is very meaningful, but also challenging. Most of the children served have histories of trauma and helping them work through such issues can take its toll on staff.”

“Mental health and wellness are not just for the individuals we serve, but for everyone. Every colleague. Every community,” said Michael McFarlane, HCPH Chief Operating Officer.

Learn more about the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health and the Sanctuary Model.  For more information contact Rachel Plaggenberg at Rachel.Plaggenberg@dmh.mo.gov or 573-751-6714.

Today, Governor Mike Parson announced that the Missouri 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has launched a new website: www.missouri988.org. The site provides information for anyone who may be experiencing a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis.

"The 988 crisis call line created a more streamlined and effective resource for Missourians in behavioral health crisis," Governor Parson said. "We know that when individuals are experiencing crisis the sooner we can connect them to support and provide assistance the better. This website adds even more access to critical resources that will help save lives."

“The new website is another tool to advance crisis services and connect Missourians to the evidence-based, care continuum for behavioral health services statewide,” said DMH Director Valerie Huhn. “Providing more ways to reach crisis care and support is integral to reducing the burden on law enforcement/emergency response and other public health services.”

The newly designated 988 phone number went live nationwide on July 16, 2022. Since that time, it has routed thousands of individuals to local, trained crisis specialists at Missouri’s 988 centers. The 988 crisis line connects anyone experiencing a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis to compassionate, accessible care and support, available 24/7. Support is free and confidential.

Learn more about the new website at www.missouri988.org.

Need to talk or get immediate help in a crisis? Help is available. If you or someone you know needs support call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

For more information contact Debra Walker at the Department of Mental Health at debra.walker@dmh.mo.gov or 573-751-1647.

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.