Sedgwick County Commissioners heard a presentation Monday proposing a private-public partnership that would form a nonprofit organization to assist COMCARE, the county’s community mental health and addiction treatment center.
The main goals of the nonprofit would be to help raise awareness and funds for COMCARE through fundraising with individuals, corporations and local businesses. The partnership would also build a board of directors specifically tied to COMCARE and its operations.
Long term goals include reducing the amount of support COMCARE needs from county taxes. For at least the short-term, Commissioners would maintain oversight of COMCARE’s public services.
Local businessman Jason Van Sickle has said he will help form and organize the nonprofit. He has also agreed to chair the newly formed board and use his connections to gather 15 to 20 total board members. District Attorney Marc Bennett has also agreed to serve on the board.
The Board of County Commissioners has not yet announced formal support or denial of the public-private partnership.