Media & Advocacy
Whole Parent Foundation is a growing group of parents who have big plans for Kansas and Missouri. We know mental health isn't only about mental health: It's also about making sure parents have access to a safe space, a community that supports them, healthy foods, childcare, and other supports. It's about knowing you'll be taken care of, too.
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Check out our parent support group that runs throughout the year!
Apply for our Free Therapy Program!
Parental Mental Health Awareness
In 2024, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas signed a proclamation written by Whole Parent Foundation that declares May Parental Mental Health Awareness Month, making Kansas City the first city in the country.
In 2025, Governor Mike Kehoe also signed a proclamation declaring May Parental Mental Health Awareness Month across the state of Missouri—in perpetuity. This is the first statewide awareness month for parental mental health in the country.
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In 2026, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed the proclamation in the state of Kansas too!
The proclamation recognizes the high prevalence of perinatal mood disorders, such as postpartum depression and anxiety, in our Missouri communities and encourages the destigmatization of mental health concerns for parents of all kinds, regardless of race, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, age, or ability.​
Op-Ed
Our Vice-President, Emilia Mense Caby, wrote a beautiful Op-Ed for the Kansas City Star, titled: "Missouri parents’ mental health matters. There’s help available."
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"In the spring of 2019, pregnant with my third child, my midwife asked me a compassionate, straightforward question that would forever change the trajectory of my life: “Do you ever think about hurting yourself?”
You can read the full article at the link below.
Podcasts
Our Parent Liaison, Geornesha Clayton, was a guest on the Mental Mixology podcast to talk about postpartum, and the joys and challenges of parenthood. Click the link below to listen!
Our Vice-President, Emilia Mense Caby, participated on a podcast called In Between Sessions to discuss How to Support Your Mental Health as a Parent. Listen at the link below!