Sunflower Foundation

As part of our commitment to raise awareness of mental health issues with a goal of increasing early interventions and improving access to behavioral health services for Kansans struggling with mental illness, we join advocates around the world today in observing #WorldMentalHealthDay. This year’s theme – mental health in the workplace – prioritizes employees’ mental health and well-being. Employees suffering with mental health issues don't leave their illness at home, and if left untreated, that not only can impact employees' health but also worker productivity, attendance, satisfaction and overall performance. Employee mental health and well-being matters, and a healthy workforce is the best workforce. And remember, caring for your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical health. Today and every day, take time to look after yourself and prioritize your well-being. #MentalIllnessAwarenessWeek #WMHD2024 #workplacementalhealth #PrioritizeMentalHealthintheWorkplace #MentalHealthInTheWorkplace #workplacewellness

Sunflower Foundation is seeking a highly organized, reliable self-starter to be our new executive assistant/office manager. Primary responsibilities would be supporting the president and CEO and executive staff while also helping coordinate office administrative operations. This resourceful multi-tasker will work collaboratively with leadership and staff, as well as independently, to successfully complete a wide range of tasks to meet the needs and challenges of supporting a small office of diverse people and programs. Major duties would include: managing the president and CEO’s calendar and meeting schedule and providing him with meeting support; preparing and editing correspondence, communications, presentations and other documents for the President and CEO and staff; performing copying and clerical tasks; serving as primary administrative staff to the Sunflower Foundation Board of Trustees; managing and supporting day-to-day office operations; and supervising maintenance and archiving of corporate records, including all digital and paper filing systems and databases. To learn more and apply, go to https://lnkd.in/ggAbSsmN

It was our privilege to host Dr. Walt Menninger, Flint Hills Publishing, and everyone who attended Sunday afternoon’s book launch event for Dr. Walt’s new book, "Like What You Do: The Memoirs of Dr. Walt Menninger." Those in attendance, including members of Dr. Walt’s family, longtime friends, colleagues and mentees, were treated to a live interview of Dr. Walt by WIBW TV's Melissa Brunner as part of the celebration of his new book, published by Flint Hills Publishing of Topeka and co-authored by Topeka freelance writer Todd Fertig. “Like What You Do” is a look into the life and work of Dr. Walt, a third-generation Menninger psychiatrist who during his career served as the dean of the Menninger School of Psychiatry, was Chief of Staff of the Menninger Clinic in Topeka and ended his career as the President and CEO of Menninger, world-renowned for its work in psychiatry. That Dr. Walt chose to have his book launch at the Sunflower Nonprofit Center, which now operates on the property where he and his family once carried out their pioneering work in mental health, seemed apropos. It served as another humbling reminder to us at Sunflower Foundation of the great legacy of caring, healing and service that exists here on the hill. Dr. Walt will be making more public appearances to talk about the book in the coming weeks, including Sept. 28 at the 13th Annual Kansas Book Festival at the Washburn University Library. He and Fertig, along with Flint Hills Publishing owner Thea Rademacher, will be featured in a panel discussion from 3 to 4 p.m. in Room 120 of the library, 1800 S.W. 19th St., in Topeka. Then, Dr. Walt will hold a Meet the Author event from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 6 at Round Table Bookstore, 826 N. Kansas Ave., in Topeka. Click below to enjoy our photos from Sunday’s event, and learn more about Dr. Walt’s upcoming events at https://lnkd.in/gEgGnuhN.

Suicide can affect anyone, regardless of background. We must break down barriers and provide support for all. Let's work together to create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. samhsa.gov/suicide #SuicidePreventionMonth #spm2024 #suicideprevention

We can all learn to recognize the warning signs and risk factors of suicide so we can offer hope and help to someone who may be thinking of or at risk for suicide: https://lnkd.in/eJYHGaVt #suicidepreventionmonth #spm2024 #SuicidePrevention

Learn and share the warning sides of youth suicide during #suicidepreventionmonth. If someone is showing any of the warning signs, urge them to contact a mental health professional or #988Lifeline #spm2024 #suicideprevention

 EVERYONE can play a role in suicide prevention. Know the warning signs of suicide and #BeThe1To offer support. Seek help for yourself or others by calling or texting 988 or by chatting with 988Lifeline.org. #SPM2024 #suicidepreventionmonth #suicideprevention

Suicide is a significant public health problem that touches millions of people across America’s communities. Learn and understand suicide’s impact in your community and find resources to help prevent suicide: samhsa.gov/988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline #SPM24 #suicidepreventionmonth #suicideprevention

Everyone can play a role in #SuicidePrevention. When you start a conversation with a loved one who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide, and when you offer support and model self-care, you are providing hope to those who may need it most. #SPM24 #SuicidePreventionWeek #suicidepreventionmonth

We want to congratulate our leader, President & CEO Brandon Skidmore, on receiving the 2024 Samuel J. Crumbine Medal, the highest award given by the Kansas Public Health Association. Brandon accepted the award on Thursday during a ceremony at the KPHA annual conference.  Join us in congratulating Brandon for this well-earned and much deserved honor, and click below to read more about it.