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TOPEKA, KS. (June 30, 2026) — An overwhelming majority of Kansas voters (76%) across the political spectrum support increased investment in mental health and substance use care provided by Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), according to a new poll by Fabrizio Ward.
The findings build on recent national data showing broad public support for the CCBHC model.
Key Findings From the New Poll
| All voters (400) | Trump Voters | Swing Voters | Harris Voters | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Important for people to have access to quality care for mental health and addiction | 92%, including 76% very important | 89%, including 64% very important | 91%, including 77% very important | 97%, including 93% very important |
| Support expanding federal and state funding for CCBHCs | 76% | 62% | 79% | 94% |
| More likely to support a candidate for Congress who supported expanding CCBHC funding | 67% | 52% | 70% | 87% |
“Implementation of the CCBHC model in Kansas has been a game changer for the community mental health system. CCBHCs are already achieving promising outcomes, including faster access to care and expanded crisis services, with the overarching goal of not only providing treatment to reduce a person’s symptomatology but also to improve their overall well-being to foster recovery and self-sufficiency,” said Kyle Kessler, executive director of the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas. “Continuing to support this investment in mental health is vital, and Kansans agree.’
“These poll numbers make clear that the people in Kansas want their members of Congress to support expansion of mental health and substance use care,” said Reyna Taylor, vice president of policy and advocacy at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. “When so many issues seem to part along political lines, improving access to mental health and substance use care is one that clearly brings voters together — across the political spectrum. Now is the time for Kansas policy makers to act on this overwhelming support.”
Congress is considering bipartisan legislation — the Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act, (S.3402 / H.R.8487) — that would expand CCBHCs further nationwide. Making it possible for Kansas communities to sustain CCBHCs will ensure people can continue to access lifesaving care, including crisis care, when and where they need it.
CCBHCs are clinics that receive flexible funding to support their costs of expanding the scope of mental health and substance use care and serving new people in their community. They tailor their services to meet their community’s individual needs. CCBHCs are required to provide nine core services, including specialized care for veterans and structured collaboration with other community partners to ease pressure on emergency departments and law enforcement.
The Sunflower state became the first state to pass legislation in 2021 identifying the CCBHC model as a solution to the mental health and substance use crisis, laying the groundwork to transform the community mental health system. Today, there are 25 CCBHCs with representation across all 105 Kansas counties.
Methodology: Fabrizio Ward conducted a survey April 23-28, 2026, of 400 registered voters in Kansas on behalf of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Click here for full methodology. Tony Fabrizio has served as chief pollster for President Donald Trump since 2016.
Contact:
Michelle Ponce
Associate Director
Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas, Inc.
mponce@acmhck.org
620-481-9289
About The National Council
Founded in 1969, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of over 3,200 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 15 million children, adults and families they serve. We advocate for policies to ensure access to high-quality services. We build the capacity of mental health and substance use treatment organizations. And we promote greater understanding of mental wellbeing as a core component of comprehensive health and health care. Through our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program, we have trained more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
