MHA History
Decades of Dedication: The Evolution of MHA
Since 1957, Mental Health America in Sedgwick County (MHA) has been a cornerstone of mental health support and education in Wichita. From its humble beginnings with a speaker’s bureau in 1959, to pioneering programs like Recovery, Inc. in 1967, and launching the Pathways program in 1989, MHA has consistently expanded its services. Landmark moments include opening the Counseling Center in 2007, adopting the Zero Suicide philosophy in 2021, and rebranding to Mental Health America of South Central Kansas in 2024.
1957
The Mental Health Information Center opened in downtown Wichita.
1958
The speaker’s bureau was started with qualified speakers that were available to discuss mental health topics to interested groups.
1967
Recovery, Inc., a nationwide mental health self-help group formed in Wichita and began meeting at the Association. Ted O. Irwin left his position at Larned State Hospital to become Executive Director of the newly renamed Mental Health America in Sedgwick County (MHASC).
1970
Over 60,000 pieces of literature were distributed by the Association. Almost 3,500 volunteer hours were given my members of the Association. Over 40,000 films were seen by 40,000 people. The Association gave over 200 talks to almost 10,000 people. Over 600 people were referred by the Association for help.
1979
Wichita’s Mental Health America in Sedgwick County organized the first meeting of Breakthrough, a social self-help group. The first brown bag luncheon series, Learning to Cope, was presented.
1984
The Compeer program began, providing support to consumers through one-to-one friendships.
1989
MHA launched the Pathways program, a program of education/support groups for children growing up in homes where alcohol or drug use is a problem. It was funded by the Venture Grant from the United Way. MHA also sponsored the Council on Adult Abuse Prevention.
1992
Direct Care Services began with the Heartland Reintegration Project, providing attendant care to displaced consumers. MHA continued to provide housing with individual apartments, opening Pinecrest and Exchange Place. Four consumers were employed in MHA programs, through a grant from the Forrest C. Lattner Foundation.
1995
Approximately 150 persons received either temporary or permanent housing based on their needs. HUD approved funding of $1.2 million to construct 24 units at the Pinecrest site for elderly people. Anxiety and depression screenings were held in May and October, serving over 100 people. Over 400 families received family services; 75 families were given Respite Care. Approximately 200 persons were served through adult case management and other adult services. Over 3,000 people experienced increased awareness and education through the video library and literature.
2003
The first-ever MONOPOLY event raised approximately $13,000 for the Compeer program.
2007
The Agency opened the Counseling Center at MHA to provide outpatient therapy and medication management.
1958
The Sedgwick County Association for Mental Health was accepted as a member of United Fund and helped establish the Mental Health Clinic.
1964
Pierre the Pelican monthly child and family mental health newsletters were sent to new parents. Through education surveys, the Association worked to increase public knowledge about the nature of mental illness, the methods used for treating it and the facilities in which treatment is given.
1969
The Comprehensive Mental Health Center opened in Sedgwick County.
1973
The first mid-way house was opened for patients in transition from treatment to the community. Free bus rides for county residents to visit relatives in the Larned State Hospital were established. The work being done by the Sedgwick County Association in its Comprehensive Centers was considered so good by the National Mental Health America, that it is using it as an example for all other local organizations across the country.
1983
Films on mental health topics were available on library loan basis and were viewed by over 40,000 people. Mental health professionals and volunteers presented over 100 programs to the public. Over 80 volunteers were used with support groups, office assistance and distribution of literature. Patient services included personal advocacy for individuals and sponsorship of support group activities.
1988
Breakthrough Club celebrated 10 year anniversary. MHA moves into the Mental Health Reform movement with the appointment of Rose Mary Mohr, CEO, to the governor’s task force on Mental Health Reform.
1991
MHA opened two group homes in south Wichita, each equipped to house 15 residents.
1993
With the relocation of patients from Heartland Rehabilitation Center, apartments were opened that provided one-on-one assistance with activities of daily living. Residential Care was founded.
1999
Adult Services assisted 579 consumers. Family and Children Services assisted 1,552 parents and children. The Education Program conducted 1,338 free depression screenings at more than 80 different sites.
2000
Cero’s Confections was purchased through a grant from the Forrest C. Lattner Foundation to provide a special employment opportunity for adult consumers.
2004
MHA opened is therapy and medication services, branded as the Counseling Center at MHA.
2005
MHA launched its I.C. Hope – Don’t Duck Mental Health Campaign. I.C. Hope is a 6-foot duck mascot bearing a band-aid on his head, reminding us that mental illness is real and treatable and a life preserver around his neck to remind us that every life is worth saving.
2009
MHA opened a 24-unit HUD subsidized senior apartment complex, implemented strengths based case management and integrated dual diagnosis evidence based practices in adult case management, implemented peer-to-peer services, became an employment network under the Ticket to Work program, and Implemented services through the Mid-Kansas Senior Outreach project.
2017
MHA celebrated our Diamond Anniversary, 60 years of serving South Central Kansas, with the first Beautiful Minds Gala. We also welcomed Mary Jones as our new CEO/President.
2020
MHA responds to the global COVID pandemic by transitioning service to telehealth formats and converting to electronic forms.
2021
In response to rising suicide rates across Kansas, MHA adopted the Zero Suicide philosophy across the agency. In the first year, we saw a 40% decrease in suicide attempts among our consumers.
2023
The Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas changed its name to Mental Health America of South Central Kansas, Inc to celebrate our affiliation with Mental Health America.