This year marks a significant milestone for Rainbow Services Inc. (RSI) as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. RSI’s programs are dedicated to providing round-the-clock crisis stabilization services, 365 days a year, to individuals facing mental health or substance use crises.
RSI's story began when leaders from Johnson County Mental Health, Wyandot Behavioral Health Network, and Heartland RADAC joined forces just more than 10 years ago following a request from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). Their collaborative effort birthed RSI, taking inspiration from San Antonio and Arizona crisis centers. RSI now leads the way as Kansas's first crisis stabilization center. The center offers around-the-clock support for sobering, crisis observation, and stabilization, becoming a model for centers nationwide.
RSI's close partnership with local law enforcement agencies stems from a shared commitment to keeping individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges in their community - where they can receive care and treatment close to home. RSI’s crisis observation unit is available to those experiencing a mental health crisis to help alleviate symptoms and then refer them to community support upon discharge. Another key service RSI offers is the sobering unit, which caters to both Wyandotte and Johnson County residents. This 23-hour facility offers a safe space for individuals under the influence of alcohol or substances to recuperate before returning to their community. If further assistance is deemed necessary after the initial 23 hours, clients can be admitted to our stabilization unit for additional care, with stays lasting anywhere from three to ten days on average. RSI takes pride in collaborating with esteemed partners such as the Wyandot Center, Johnson County Mental Health Center, Heartland Regional Alcohol and Drug Assessment Center, and the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Together, we strive to offer non-medical assistance to those in need during their most vulnerable moments.
RSI has had many successes throughout its 10 years, and tracking success can be challenging. However, RSI prioritizes the initial engagement of individuals in need, whether they arrive via law enforcement, family referrals, or the emergency department. Colene Medrano, Executive Director of RSI/Crisis Administration, emphasizes that measuring success goes beyond mere numbers. For her, success lies in ensuring that individuals receive the necessary support to effectively navigate their lives.
RSI has demonstrated resilience and commitment to its mission throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, steadfastly keeping its doors open to serve the community's needs.
“Despite the challenges, the one success that I can say about RSI through the pandemic itself is that it never shut down,” says Medrano. “It continued to run. It continued to serve. It continued to help all clients who came through the doors.”
When Medrano reflects on key moments in RSI’s history, one client in particular stands out as a testament to RSI’s impact on the community. This individual initially sought sobering services at RSI before transitioning to stabilization care. From there, they moved into an outpatient group home setting. Today, this individual is actively engaged in the community, gainfully employed, and has maintained sobriety for multiple years. Their journey illustrates what is possible when the community has access to the treatment and support they need.
In the coming days, the RSI and Crisis teams will take a big step forward in their commitment to offering accessible crisis care and support for the community as Wyandot BHN begins operating as a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center. The lifeline, which launched nationwide in 2022, provides individuals experiencing a mental health crisis with needed mental health crisis support and interventions through calls, texts, and chats. With a robust infrastructure and dedicated team, Wyandot BHN’s 988 call center team promises to offer a lifeline to individuals navigating through challenging times, ensuring they receive the care and support they urgently need. As society becomes increasingly aware of mental health issues, the advent of 988 represents a pivotal step forward in prioritizing mental well-being and addressing crises effectively.