Mental Health is for Everyone
May 2, 2025
Categories: General
According to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, 1 in 5 U.S. adults will struggle with mental health at least once in their lifetime, 1 in 6 children/teens will struggle as well. Risk of mental health struggles increase with poverty, being a member of a diverse and/or minority group, a lack of social supports, and a familial history of substance abuse or mental health diagnosis. Early intervention and supports can drastically increase long term stability and positive outcomes. Knowing what...
CHCS raises funds for Damon's Purpose, wins traveling trophy
November 29, 2022
Categories: News
Four northeast Kansas healthcare organizations recently collaborated to raise funds for Damon’s Purpose, a grassroots organization dedicated to suicide awareness and prevention and improving mental health. We’re proud to say that employees from Sabetha Community Hospital, Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, Holton Community Hospital, and Community HealthCare System raised $5,813.15 for this amazing cause! We hope it will help Damon’s Purpose continue to do amazing...
Be the change: Support mental health and Damon's Purpose
November 17, 2022
Categories: News
A new report by Mental Health America tracked mental illness and the ease of accessing care. The report found that Kansas was in LAST PLACE in the country because of high rates of addiction among young people, high rates of mental illness and suicidal thoughts among adults, and lack of access to care in our state.
We see the signs of stress and the need for mental health care in our communities every day, and so do our colleagues...
Suicide prevention: What can you do?
September 13, 2022
Categories: Community health news, News
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Everyone can take steps to help prevent suicide. The most important steps are to talk openly about suicide and to learn about resources that can help you or loved ones recognize signs of a mental health crisis and find needed assistance. Below is a list of actions you can take to safeguard your own mental health and the health of those around you.
Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline....
CHCS offers virtual Mental Health First Aid courses
August 19, 2022
Categories: News
If someone you know – a close friend, family member, child, student, or co-worker – is struggling with mental health issues, do you know when or how to help?
Mental Health First Aid can teach you how to interact with someone who is experiencing a crisis. Community HealthCare System is offering several classes in 2022 and 2023.
Adult Mental Health First Aid prepares participants to help other adults and focuses...
'It's OK to not be OK:' Finding Damon's Purpose
May 3, 2022
Categories: General
Brenda Quigley is a registered nurse and has worked for CHCS since December of 2007. She grew up in Corning, graduated from Centralia High School, and obtained a bachelor of science in nursing from Washburn University. She and her husband, Ron, have been married for almost 22 years and live in Corning. They have three children: Noah, age 20; Taegan, age 17; and Damon, who passed away at the age of 13.
After losing Damon to suicide, Brenda dedicated herself to...
CHCS provides Mental Health First Aid classes
August 6, 2021
Almost all of us know someone who is struggling with mental health conditions, but whether it’s a close friend, family member, customer, or acquaintance, we often don’t know when or how to help. As a result, many people in need of mental health services often do not get the help they need.
Mental Health First Aid is a program that can help anyone learn how to interact with someone who is experiencing a crisis. Community HealthCare System...
Better ways to talk about mental health
May 17, 2021
Categories: Community health news, General
By Angie Sauvage, Licensed Master Social Worker
Did you know that the language we use to talk about mental health may contribute to the stigma, prejudice, and discrimination of individuals who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition? We are all unique individuals and want to be treated as such. There is much more to each person than their mental health condition.
Person-first language refers to speaking and writing in a way that acknowledges...
Specialty Clinic Provider of the Month: Dr. Dagoberto Heredia
April 28, 2021
Categories: Provider story
CHCS provides a number of specialty clinics each month in our Onaga, Holton, and St. Marys locations. Dr. Dagoberto Heredia, psychiatrist, is our May Specialty Clinic Provider of the Month. Dr. Heredia provides general adult, child, and adolescent psychiatry in our Holton location.
Dr. Heredia diagnoses mental health issues and provides medication and management of conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, ADHD, OCD, ODD, panic disorders, schizophrenia,...
CHCS offers Youth Mental Health First Aid
April 21, 2021
Categories: News
One in five teens and young adults live with a mental health condition, and more than 64% of youth with major depression do not receive any mental health treatment. Unlike physical conditions, symptoms of mental health and substance use problems can be difficult to detect. Friends and family members often don’t know when or how to help. As a result, youth in need of mental health services often do not get them until it is too late.
Community HealthCare System, or CHCS, is offering...
