KDADS Awards More Than $230,000 to Fund Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition’s Suicide Prevention Efforts

Aug 01, 2024

For Immediate Release

August 1, 2024

Contact:
Cara Sloan-Ramos

Topeka-Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Howard announced today that the agency has awarded DCCCA, Inc. $231,616 to support the Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition's continued enhancement of suicide prevention efforts, strategies, and activities across the state.

"KDADS and the Behavioral Health Services Commission are thrilled to continue funding prevention services for Kansans through the work of the Kansas Prevention Coalition," KDADS Behavioral Health Services Commissioner Drew Adkins said. This is an extremely important cause, and we are happy to see that DCCCA is willing to provide the necessary fiscal oversight of this funding."

DCCCA, Inc. will provide logistical and financial support to the Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition, including its executive committee and designated subcommittees.

"The Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition is excited to strengthen our collaboration with DCCCA in pursuit of the goals outlined in the State Suicide Prevention Plan," Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition President Bailey Blair said. "Their history of prevention activities and coalition efforts positions them well to meet our current needs and support our continued growth."

The Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition consists of representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as those with lived experience, who have a unified vision and voice to address suicide in Kansas. These members are invested in advocacy, promoting awareness, sharing ideas, data, and resources, and building/maintaining trusted partnerships.

To increase capacity, sustainability, and partnership around Suicide Prevention in Kansas, the coalition continues to provide subject matter expertise, develop social media content and resources on the Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition's website, and collaborate on implementing the goals and objectives outlined in the Kansas Suicide Prevention Plan.

Initiatives of the Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition include:

• Recruitment of new members, including individual members and county coalitions
• Provide enrollment support to both new and existing members
• Promote and share resources at community events, fairs, cultural events, and conferences
• Provide educational and training opportunities
• Facilitate the annual review and update of the Kansas Suicide Prevention Plan
• Organize an in-person annual meeting of the Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition
• Provide information to policymakers and advocates on how to enhance efforts of suicide prevention
• Dedicate subcommittee work to execute the objectives outlined in the strategic directions within the Kansas Suicide Prevention Plan.

To support populations identified as most at risk, consistent input and education from members about the communities they represent are highly encouraged and supported. The Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition promotes inclusive suicide prevention efforts to address the diverse needs of residents in Kansas.