The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on a number of mental health and wellness issues across the globe and left many struggling to effectively cope, including an increasing number right here in Kansas.

Kansas: Stronger Together is a crisis counseling program developed to provide mental health and wellness support to all Kansans during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is funded by Federal disaster relief dollars that are administered by the Kansas Division of Emergency Management and the Kansas Division of Aging and Disability Services and has been extended through December 30, 2021.

The program provides a free, anonymous crisis counseling assistance line to all Kansans by calling 1-800-273-8255. The line is available 24/7 and provides crisis counseling through select community mental health centers, educational material and online support for all mental health and wellness. The program also offers a number of online and virtual interactive opportunities to improve health and wellness including:

• An interactive Facebook page
• Resource guides
• Virtual events that are available at join.me, with code KDEMResponse. Audio versions of these events may be accessed by dialing 1-866-620-7326, and entering this code: 8551008957. These virtual events include:
  • Coffee Breaks chat sessions are conducted every other Wednesday at 11 a.m. This is an open, guided discussion forum on topics such as self-care, anxiety, stress, and other wellness issues.
  • Gratitude Series, available Thursdays in July and August at 11 a.m. to explore the practice of gratitude and how it can enhance your mental health.
  • Helping the Helpers Frontline and Essential Pandemic Workers guided discussion -- July 20 and 27, 2 p.m.
  • Returning to Normal guided discussion -- July 22 and 30, 2 p.m.