CareSource supports Mental Health America of South Central Kansas to expand warmline service

WICHITA, Kan. (CARESOURCE) - CareSource and the Mental Health America of South Central Kansas (MHA) announced a new partnership created to improve health care quality and outcomes by addressing social determinants of health with an expansion of their warmline service. Unlike a hotline, which is designed for those in immediate crisis, a warmline provides early intervention with emotional support to prevent one.

CareSource has provided $105,000 to relaunch the warmline service and to extend operational hours from 6-10 p.m. to 5-11 p.m., seven days a week throughout 2024 after seeing a more than 500% increase in calls to the service in five months. The funds have also supported the expenses for a third part-time peer support team member.

"CareSource recognizes the value of peer-supported mental health programs," said Chad Moore, president of CareSource in Kansas. "The warmline aims to prevent a temporary situation from escalating into an irreversible tragedy. Our support of MHA will will help to ensure timely and essential support.”

MHA’s warmline is staffed by trained peer specialists who provide confidential, non-judgmental mental health support. They are available to help community members in need of non-crisis support. The warmline can help in a variety of ways, including connecting with a peer, reducing isolation and getting support before a point of crisis.

"Mental health is a vital part of overall health,” said Mary Jones, president and CEO of MHA. “Our warmline provides real-time mental health support to community members, reducing isolation and providing early intervention before a crisis point. This partnership represents a commitment to the community's mental health, ensuring that individuals have the support they need when they need it.”

"We had a warmline years ago and funding was cut,” said Angie Watson, COO of MHA “It was such a gap in the health care spectrum because the warmline assists individuals who do not need crisis services. However, they do need the warmline to call and talk to a peer to de-escalate or calm down,"  The initial impact of the warmline is already decreasing hospital stays, emergency room visits and crisis visits, freeing those services up for more acute needs.”

CareSource opened an office in Topeka in 2021 and has already awarded more than $500,000 to community-based organizations combating food insecurity, offering workforce development programming, supporting Kansans who need complex medical care and fighting poverty.

Need to Talk? Call the MHA warmline at 316-260-2340.