The Overland Park City Council approved creation of a mental health advisory committee at Monday’s City Council meeting.
The advisory committee will meet at least quarterly to review City policies and practices to:
- Advise the Public Safety Committee and CIty Council on issues of mental health in the community
- Make recommendations or create resources regarding mental health in the community
- Identify and increase mental health awareness and prevention
- Develop additional mental health initiatives
- Support and promote existing initiatives through cooperation with Johnson County and other regional agencies
The group will meet periodically with the Public Safety committee to evaluate opportunities to improve the community’s mental health.
Establishing a standing advisory committee focused on mental health was a recommendation of the Mental Health Task Force.
“As I get feedback from the community, everyone is saying what a great uplift this has been and this is how Overland Park has stepped forward on this issue,” said Council Member Chris Newlin, who chaired the Mental Health Task Force.
The Mental Health Advisory Committee will include five members representing a diversity of interests that are reflected in addressing community mental health issues.
“I’ve never seen emails go that fast, members of the Mental Health Task Force jumped in when asked and wanted to continue to do this,” Newlin said. “So that told me that we had a great group on the task force and I thank those who want to continue to serve.”
The mayor will appoint the committee’s first members at the Dec. 6 City Council meeting. City Council approves the appointments.