Our community faced traumatic events in 2024, but in addition to our shared traumas, mental health is also an individual challenge for many people. The Mental Health KC Conference is an opportunity for professionals and people interested in mental health topics to come together in the spirit of education and awareness.
This is the 8th year for the Mental Health KC Conference, which takes place in May in recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Month.
When: Thursday, May 23rd 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Friday, May 24th 9 a.m. – Noon
Where: Johnson County Community College 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210
The Metropolitan Council of Community Behavioral Health Centers (“Metro Council”) organizes this annual event. This year Metro Council is proud to announce a new partnership with our lead sponsor Netsmart, and our new hosting facility Johnson County Community College.
This conference will highlight well-known keynote speakers, as well as local and regional subject-matter experts focusing on various topics of behavioral health and well-being.
On Thursday, May 23rd, the keynote speaker is Corey Keyes, author of the new book Languishing, which explores a state of mental exhaustion that impacts self-esteem and motivation. It’s not simply depression, it’s about a loss of self-meaning, struggling to feel in control, or feeling uncertain about life. Without help, this can spiral into a mental health crisis. Keyes’ is a leader in the field of positive psychology and known for coining the psychological terms “flourishing” and “languishing.” He has worked for the Center for Disease Control and is a member of the Positive Psychology Network.
On Friday, May 24th, keynote speaker Wesley Hamilton will discuss his journey from surviving multiple gunshot wounds to inspirational speaker. Hamilton is the executive director of Disabled But Not Really (DBNR) and travels across the country sharing his story about how he struggled with depression after being shot multiple times and becoming disabled. He taps into positivity, empowerment, and resilience to inspire others to overcome adversity.
The conference provides education and awareness to community health, mental health, and social service workers, but it is also an important resource for business and human resource leaders, as well as the general public. The conference includes:
70 breakout presentations on various mental health topics including community trauma, suicide prevention, anxiety, depression, workplace mental health issues, diversity/equity/inclusion (DEI), stigma, stress management, resilience and much more
Networking with 700+ colleagues and peers who share a passion for fighting mental illness stigma
Information about community resources and educational programs
To keep this conference accessible to all, the cost is still only $50. Registration is required. On-site registration is accepted on the day of the conference at the rate of $75.
For more information, please visit MentalHealthKC.org.
##
About Metro Council
The Mental Health KC Conference is organized and presented by the Metropolitan Council of Community Behavioral Health Centers (“Metro Council”), which represents nine public mental health organizations in the Greater Kansas City area. Metro Council is a collaborative nonprofit organization serving the Greater Metropolitan Kansas City area. It provides ongoing educational programs, information, and resources to both mental health professionals and the general public. It is the mission of Metro Council to build a stronger safety net of local community behavioral health centers to provide Kansas Citians with behavioral health services, regardless of who they are, where they live, or their ability to pay.
