Care & Community: Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center

Care & Community: Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center

Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister sits down with Dr. Kirsten Watkins, CEO of the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, and Emily Farley, Chief Advancement Officer, to explore how a community of Lawrence’s size has built one of the most comprehensive behavioral health systems in Kansas. They outline the Bert Nash Center’s role as a safety-net provider for all ages and all levels of need, describe its network of facilities and explain the vision for the forthcoming Youth Recovery Center, which is a “urgent care for the mind” where youth can receive crisis stabilization and ongoing outpatient care under one roof.  The conversation highlights how Douglas County residents have repeatedly “put their money where their mouth is,” from approving sales tax for crisis services to driving a 73% increase in private donations, ensuring that local youth and families don’t have to travel hours away for psychiatric care. The episode also dives into the deep collaboration between the Bert Nash Center and the criminal justice system, including embedded clinicians in the Douglas County Jail, participation in specialty courts and the high-utilization Mobile Response Team that often responds to mental health crises instead of or alongside law enforcement. Armbrister recounts how local partners, including Bert Nash, devised an in-county solution to long state waits for competency evaluations and restoration, reducing decompensation in jail and freeing scarce state hospital beds.  Throughout, Watkins and Farley emphasize that early intervention is lasting prevention, that the severity and complexity of mental health needs are rising and that Bert Nash’s core message to Douglas County remains simple and urgent: you are not alone, we are here for you, and if we’re not the right place, we’ll help you find the one that is.

Episode 08 - Access & Understanding

Sheriff Jay Armbrister sits down with community outreach coordinator Morgan Haney and recent Citizens Academy graduates Hannah Bolton (founder, Cardinal Housing Network) and defense attorney Matthew Fredrick to explore how the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office opens its doors to the public.  They break down what happens over the seven-week, nine-session DGSO Citizens Academy — from reentry simulations and jail tours to dispatch, firearms and traffic-stop scenarios — and how experiential learning changes perceptions of law enforcement.

Episode 07 - Cases & Compassion: Jessica Glendening, Seventh Judicial District Public Defender

Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister interviews Jessica Glendening, chief public defender in Douglas County, in a conversation about different aspects of the legal system.  Glendening discusses her 16-year career in criminal defense, including her roles in Shawnee and Douglas counties. She explains the differences between public defenders and retained attorneys and prosecutors, the challenges of managing caseloads and the importance of addressing clients' non-legal needs. Glendening also highlights the misconceptions about public defenders and the adversarial nature of the legal system.  She emphasizes the rewarding aspects of her job, such as helping clients with mental health and substance abuse issues. The conversation underscores the collaborative efforts in Douglas County to support reentry and community well-being.

Episode 06 - Support & Second Chances: DGSO Reentry Team

Sheriff Jay Armbrister hosts the "View from 100" podcast episode 06, featuring Carrie Neis and Shelby Osborn of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Reentry team.  The program helps people in custody transition back into society, addressing barriers like housing, mental health and substance abuse. Neis, director or reentry, and Osborn, a reentry case manager, emphasize the importance of meeting inmates where they are and providing tailored support.  They highlight the success of the medication-assisted treatment program, which has seen significant reductions in recidivism. The program also collaborates with local agencies to provide comprehensive services, including housing and job assistance. They also underscore the need for more staff and housing resources.

Episode 05 - Courts & Community: Chief District Judge James McCabria

Sheriff Jay Armbrister hosts a discussion featuring Judge James McCabria, chief district court judge of the Seventh Judicial District of Kansas, which is Douglas County.  Judge McCabria discusses his role, including caseload distribution and administrative functions, and explains other aspects of the courts in Kansas. Judge McCabria shares his background, including his education at Ohio State University and Tulsa University, and his career path from defense attorney to prosecutor and judge. He explains the selection process for district court judges and the importance of public respect for the judiciary. The conversation also touches on the challenges of the justice system, including workload management and the impact of failures to appear in court.