Missouri Department of Mental Health

09/08/2026

DMH Central Office showed up in many colors today to recognize national 988 day.

988 Day is a Day of Action held annually on September 8th to raise awareness about the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline through a variety of creative activities spearheaded by communities, organizations, and individuals.

If you want to recognize national 988 Day along with DMH, post a photo using the hashtags below:

09/05/2026

In anticipation for the Capitol Dome Lighting in Jefferson City for 988 day this month, some DMH team member homes are already shining teal and purple for Su***de Prevention Month!

If you also have color changing light fixtures outside your home, please consider in joining team DMH in shining teal and purple to bring awareness to Su***de Prevention Month.

If you are in the capitol area, keep an eye out on September 8th and 9th (988 day) to see the dome lit in teal and purple! Snap a picture and tag it with and

09/02/2026

DMH is proud to have team members representing the department in the Missouri Breakthrough Leadership Academy!

Josh Chastine from Northwest Community Services
Angel Engelen from Sikeston Regional Office
Stormy Harmeyer from Northwest Missouri Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center
and Murray Pringle from St. Louis Regional Office!

Congratulations!

09/01/2026

The DMH Forensic Mobile Teams, covering east and west Missouri respectively, are a vital resource for the department for increasing the access for individuals in need of restoration services.

Since July of 2025, the efforts of the two mobile teams led by Chiefs of Forensics and Competency Restoration Nikki Reitz and Bethany Van Lant, have resulted in the restoration of 176 individuals. Team members believe Nikki and Bethany are a major reason for this success. Nikki and Bethany excel at adapting to the unique needs, procedures and resources of the 114 counties and the City of St. Louis. They also maintain positive attitudes and build relationships within all these different communities.

“[They] are still social workers at heart,” said one team member. “They are tireless in their efforts, and go above and beyond to help the department, and most importantly, the people they serve.”
Congratulations to the August 2026 Team Members of the Month, Nikki Reitz and Bethany Van Lant. Well done!

09/01/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, inspire hope, and remind people that help is available. Su***de Prevention starts with all of us, together we can create communities where people feel seen, supported and connected.

Check in, watch out, and support each other this month, and every month.

Missouri 988 is also here for you. It is available 24/7, 365 days a year to provide immediate support for anyone who is struggling. missouri988.org

08/31/2026

This International Overdose day, we remember that overdose does not discriminate, it affects every community, but there is hope. Overdose is preventable- from timely access to care and support, to education, to life-saving interventions, there are proven ways to reduce harm and save lives.

Learn more from the CDC about overdose here: https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/index.html
Resources from the International Overdose Awareness Day Initiative can be found here: https://www.overdoseday.com/

08/31/2026

August may be coming to an end- but you can challenge yourself to a Digital Detox at any time of the year. Take a tip from Behavioral Health Program Specialist, Kasey. Maybe it's time for you to check your screentime and enter your ✨️nature era✨️ too!

08/31/2026

Jon Sabala, our Mental Health for Missouri's Veterans and Families Director, shares about his career at DMH and his passion for helping the military community.

"I'm still connected to the military community. After 22 years of service [in the military] and knowing the impact that military life could have on people, I'm trying to create different programs and strategies to help address those needs. It really feels like I'm still giving back, like I'm still part of the mission of the military," Sabala said.

Jon also talked about his latest wellness campaign for service members, veterans, and their families called the Live Life Mission.

Army veteran Jon Sabala was getting ready to begin a career helping small businesses develop plans and establish an online presence.

08/28/2026

Central Office is getting ready for Su***de Prevention Month and Missouri 988 Day!

Su***de Prevention Specialist, Janeane, is currently setting up 988 swag and resources to be displayed during the month of September 👏

National will be on Tuesday, September 8th!