A new wellness center at 1211 North 8th Street is ready to support the community’s mental health needs. This center, run by the Wyandot Behavioral Health Network and local organizations, will offer therapy, psychiatric support, and treatment for substance abuse.
This initiative comes from a 2022 assessment of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, which revealed that over 30% of residents felt that expanding mental health services was essential. Moreover, 75% of respondents knew someone struggling with mental illness.
“We aligned our vision with what residents indicated as their biggest barriers to accessing care,” said Randy Callstrom, CEO of Wyandot Behavioral Health Network. “This center is designed to be a comprehensive solution for everyone’s mental health needs.”
During its recent open house, the wellness center welcomed visitors and celebrated its mission. Callstrom emphasized that the center aims to be more than just a clinic. It will have a community room open for wellness activities like yoga and social gatherings.
Large murals by local artists decorate the space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. “We want everyone to feel at home,” Callstrom added. “This can also be a place for alternative healing aside from traditional mental health services.”
The center hosts additional office spaces for community workers, providing a place to conduct meetings or work on paperwork. Lauren Lucht, a mental health leader from the University of Kansas Health System, noted that the center’s collaboration is vital. With their current methadone clinic facilities being demolished for expansion, the Wyandot Behavioral Health Network stepped in to provide essential space for their services.
“This partnership is a lifeline,” Lucht explained. Methadone treatment, which has been historically significant since its introduction in 1966, remains crucial for many individuals battling opioid addiction. Dr. William Gabrielli from the University of Kansas Health System echoed this sentiment. He remarked on the program’s importance, stating, “For some patients, there is no alternative to methadone.”
The Downtown Wellness Center will officially open on March 9 and will operate Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those interested in services can call 913-328-4600 or schedule an appointment online. Same-day walk-ins will also be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
