An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

COVID-19 crisis counseling program extended through Dec. 30

July 12, 2021
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management has received an extension to continue operating the Crisis Counseling Program for COVID-19 through Dec. 30, 2021. The program in Kansas is titled Kansas: Stronger Together.
This program provides a free, anonymous crisis counseling assistance line to all citizens by calling 1-800-273-8255. The assistance line is available 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week. The program also provides crisis counseling through select community mental health centers, educational material and online support for overall mental health and wellness.
"Kansas: Stronger Together is free and available to provide virtual and one on one services to citizens experiencing stress, anxiety, and concern over COVID-19 related impacts," said Devan Tucking, Response and Recovery Services Section Chief, KDEM. "This program offers resources that can apply to overall enhancing mental health and wellness for all purposes."
This program has partnered with multiple local community mental health providers to provide services. A website with print information and resources is available at ksstrongertogether.org. There is also an interactive Facebook page at Kansas: Stronger Together which offers daily affirmations, wellness breaks, activities, and tips, as well as educational and informative postings.
Virtual activities are available at join.me, code KDEMResponse, and with audio at 866-620-7326, 8551008957:
  • Coffee Breaks chat sessions are conducted every other Wednesday at 11 a.m. This is an open, guided-discussion forum on topics such as self-care, anxiety, stress, and other wellness issues.
  • Gratitude Series, available Thursdays in July and August at 11 a.m. to explore the practice of gratitude and how it can enhance your mental health.
  • Helping the Helpers Frontline and Essential Pandemic Workers guided discussion -- July 20 and 27, 2 p.m.
  • Returning to Normal guided discussion -- July 22 and 30, 2 p.m.
For updates visit our Facebook page. Virtual workshops and additional sessions are currently being scheduled for September and are to be announced.
Kansas: Stronger Together is authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) Crisis Counseling Regular Services Program. The program requires a presidential disaster declaration for Individual Assistance and is administered through an interagency federal partnership between FEMA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Mental Health Services.
The program is coordinated in Kansas in partnership with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, Kansas Department for Children and Families, and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.