High Plains Mental Health Center
Since its founding in 1964, High Plains Mental Health Center (HPMHC) has remained committed to providing accessible, compassionate, and high-quality behavioral health services to the communities it serves throughout northwest and north central Kansas.
Over more than six decades of service, High Plains has grown and evolved through the dedication of employees, clinicians, leaders, board members, community partners, and supporters. Its success has been built through the collective efforts of individuals who have devoted their time, talent, and commitment to improving behavioral health care across the region.
High Plains' history has been marked by continuity and long-term leadership. Since 1964, the organization has been guided by only four permanent Executive Directors—Dr. John Cody (1964-1981), Kermit George (1982-2003), Walter Hill (2003-2024), and Craig Poe (2024-present).
This remarkable continuity reflects a tradition of stability, stewardship, and commitment to the mission of serving individuals and families facing mental health challenges.
Together with dedicated employees, clinical professionals, board members, and community supporters, these leaders helped build the strong foundation on which High Plains continues to serve the region today.
High Plains is grateful for the many individuals who have shaped its history and strengthened its ability to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves.
Their collective contributions expanded access to care, strengthened services, and positioned High Plains to continue its mission for future generations.
With that foundation in mind, High Plains remains focused on the future. As part of its commitment to moving forward, High Plains recently resolved a previously filed legal matter. While High
Plains denies any liability, wrongdoing, or violation of law, it is pleased to put the matter behind it and devote its full attention to its mission and the communities it serves
Today, High Plains continues to invest in its people, programs, and partnerships while working to improve client outcomes and expand access to high-quality behavioral health services throughout the region.
Current Executive Director Craig Poe emphasized the importance of building upon the organization's longstanding tradition of service.
"For more than sixty years, High Plains has served our communities through the dedication of employees, leaders, board members, and community partners who believed in our mission.
"It is an honor to serve as Executive Director of an organization with such a rich history and enduring commitment to the people of northwest and north central Kansas. We are grateful for those who came before us and remain focused on carrying that legacy forward as we meet the behavioral health needs of future generations."
As High Plains looks ahead, it remains committed to building upon the strong foundation established over decades of service and to working collaboratively with patients, families, health care providers, community partners, and stakeholders to improve lives and strengthen the communities it serves.