HISTORY OF CMHS

Comprehensive Mental Health Services, which began as a satellite of Western Missouri Mental Health Center in 1969, was originally incorporated in 1971 as Independence Area Mental Health Center. The first location was in space rented from Indepedencne Sanitarium and Hospital at 1505 W. Truman Rd. John Macek was the first director. 

In 1972, the name was changed to Northeastern Jackson County Mental Health Center and federal funding was applied for. In 1974, a federal staffing grant was awarded and five basic services implemented. A major federal grant, for eight years, from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare permitted taking 120 new clients a month. An outpatient office was opened at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church in Blue Springs.

In July, 1978, Dr. James. L. McKee became the executive director. In August, the Missouri Division of Alcoholism and drug Abuse certified the provision of alcohol and drug abuse services and William H. Kyles became associate director.

In 1979, the main center opened at 10901 Winner Road in the Englewood area of Independence. In 1980, voters in Jackson County passed the first mental health levy. A group home opened in 1980. State Mental Health Purchase of Service Contracts began in 1981.

In 1982, Dr. McKee resigned and Bill Kyles assumed the director’s responsibilities. The Extended Care Program was opened in 1984 to assure quality and local care of the seriously mentally ill. An office was opened in Buckner and in 1985, offices were opened in Susquehanna and in Oak Grove.

CMHS was accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations in 1986. In 1987, Turning Point group home was opened at 1730 N. Swope Dr. A Homeless Mentally Ill Project was started in 1988 and the Oak Grove office was closed.

In 1989, a suburban office opened in Blue Springs at 17201 E. 40 Hwy.; later moved to E. Jefferson and 1200 S. Outer Rd. and back to 1201 E. Jefferson, its present location.

CMHS was named among the nation’s top 10 percent of all mental health service providers by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

Two innovative home-based programs were implemented in 1991 – Families First and Targeted Case Management. The first CSTAR (Comprehensive Substance Treatment and Rehabilitation) contract began in 1991 and Wingspan began at Cler-Mont Elementary School, sponsored by CMHS, Neighborhood Councils and the schools through a $40,000 grant from the Children’s Trust Fund.

COMBAT, the Jackson County Anti-Drug Tax began and Gateway was opened with COMBAT funding in the amount of $180,000annually. Wingspan expanded to Elm Grove and Blue Hills elementary schools.

In 1993, CMHS formed the Comprehensive Mental Health Services Foundation to begin raising private funding to support its programs and services. In 1994, CMHS celebrated its 25 years of services to the community with a guest speaker series. Wingspan was started at Buckner Elementary School with a Caring Communities Grant.

Renaissance West, Inc., Kansas City, MO, was acquired by CMHS in 1995, and operated as a subsidiary corporation. It opened a Northland “Adolescent Addiction Program.” A Deaf and Hard of Hearing program was added to outpatient services through a grant. The Clubhouse program was moved to 10927 E. Winner Road.

In 2001, the corporation was dissolved and Renaissance West became part of the CMHS programming and services.

Sunrise House was opened and dedicated with Comprehensive Mental Health Services operating the programs and services to mental health clients who live there.