A Mental Health Town Hall on Sat., Sept. 28, will bring together local lawmakers, mental health professionals, and community members for a critical conversation at the Robert J. Mohart Multipurpose Center, 3200 Wayne Ave., KCMO.
Elevating Men, a local nonprofit focused on empowering men and building stronger families, organized the town hall to address the burgeoning mental health crisis, particularly in Kansas City’s Black community.
At the free event, attendees will hear from experts in the mental health field, local legislators, and community advocates. The discussions will cover major issues such as mental health stigma, gaps in access to care, and upcoming legislative solutions.
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver will deliver the keynote address, and attendees will include KC Mayor Pro-Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw, Missouri state Sen. Barbara Washington and state Rep. Mike Johnson.
“It’s not too often that we get the undivided attention of our politicians without the pressure of sound bites,” says A.L. Johnson, president and founder of Elevating Men. “This is a great opportunity for the community to have real conversations and make sure their concerns are heard.”
KC Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed his support for the town hall, emphasizing the importance of community-wide involvement.
“Right now, it’s more important than ever to come together and support one another as a community and talk about something that affects each and every one of us — mental health,” Lucas said. “Let’s break the stigma and build a healthier and stronger Kansas City together.”
The first panel will include mental health professionals discussing challenges related to stigma and access, while the second will feature government officials who can influence future legislation.
Johnson hopes the event will spark legislative change that will have a long-term impact on Kansas City’s mental health services.
“We’re looking to create actionable change,” says Johnson. “We hope the conversations we have here will lead to legislation being drafted before the December deadline.”
Addressing Mental Health in the Black Community
Mental health issues disproportionately affect the Black community, with stigma and access to care as significant barriers. Andrew Boykin, a board member of Elevating Men, pointed out that the town hall will provide a safe space to address these challenges.
“This is an opportunity for people to hear directly from providers about the gaps in services and the challenges they face,” Boykin said. “It’s also a chance for the community to hear from lawmakers about the solutions they’re considering.”
Boykin stressed the importance of community feedback. Attendees will have the opportunity to fill out forms that will be shared with health professionals and policymakers.
“We’ll be able to get everyone’s feedback,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to let your voice be heard by policymakers.”
The timing of the event is crucial, as lawmakers are preparing for the upcoming legislative session. Johnson is hopeful that the discussions will inspire tangible changes in mental health care access, especially when it comes to making services more affordable and less restrictive.
“We want to figure out ways to get people into therapy, help them get to a better place, and, ultimately, strengthen their families and communities,” says Johnson.
Breaking the Mental Health Stigma
Mental health stigma remains a particularly pressing issue. Boykin emphasized that the town hall isn’t just for those experiencing severe mental health crises but for anyone struggling with daily challenges.
“This is an opportunity for the average person who’s also dealing with mental health issues—the single mother, the father trying to provide, the grandmother raising grandchildren on Social Security,” Boykin says.
A Path Toward Change
The event will be more than just a conversation — it aims to create lasting change. Attendees will hear from professionals and lawmakers alike, and there will be a networking session following the panels, allowing community members to connect with panelists, organizers, and each other.
The event is free and open to the public, with registration available at bit.ly/KCMentalHealthTownHall.
The networking session immediately following the town hall, from noon to 2 p.m.. will allow attendees the opportunity to engage with speakers, community leaders and each other. Both events will take place at the Robert J. Mohart Multipurpose Center, 3200 Wayne Ave. Doors open at 9 a.m., and the event runs from 10 a.m. to noon with networking until 2 p.m.
For A.L. Johnson and his team at Elevating Men, this town hall is only the beginning.
“Strong men build strong families, and strong families build strong communities,” Johnson says. “This event is just the first step.”
