06/02/2026
Hello everyone- Whit here.
I am SO excited to finally share this news!
Last week, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced the recipients of the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program grants, and I am incredibly proud to share that KCDD was awarded $1,460,000 to help bring the START (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment) model to Kansas!
This funding will allow KCDD to partner with Mental Health America of South Central Kansas and two rural Community Developmental Disability Organizations to pilot START! START is an evidence-based model designed specifically to support people with IDD who also have mental health needs.
For far too long, people with IDD experiencing a mental health crisis have fallen through the cracks. Too often, families, providers, and individuals have struggled to find supports that truly understand the unique intersection of developmental disabilities and mental health. START changes that.
The START model focuses on crisis prevention, early intervention, community-based support, and helping people get the right help before a crisis escalates. It brings together individuals, families, providers, and systems to create better outcomes and stronger supports.
As someone who lives with both Autism and serious mental health challenges, this grant means SO much to me personally. I know what it feels like to need support and not know where to turn. I know what it feels like when systems aren't built with people like us in mind. This investment gives me so much hope!
This is more than a grant. It is an opportunity to build a Kansas where people with IDD and mental health needs are seen, understood, supported, and given every opportunity to thrive in their communities.
I also want to give a huge shoutout to Allyson, KCDD's Deputy Director, who poured countless hours into developing this grant application. Her leadership, vision, persistence, and hard work helped make this opportunity possible. We are incredibly grateful for everything she did to bring this project across the finish line.
Today, I'm feeling grateful, hopeful, and excited for what comes next.
The future is brighter when we invest in people!!!
[Picture Description: A navy blue background with a picture of KCDD staff + Council Members. The text on the image reads as follows: Exciting news: KCDD awarded $1.46 million bringing the START model to Kansas!]
