Wichita, Kansas – Crawford County Mental Health Center (CCMHC) is proud to announce that Eric Thomason, PMHNP, Director of Medical Services, has been awarded the 2025 V.J. Reddy Memorial Award. The award was presented during the 46ᵗʰ Annual Conference for Behavioral Health, hosted by the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas (ACMHCK).
The V.J. Reddy Award is given annually to a medical professional serving in the Kansas community mental health system who demonstrates outstanding clinical care, innovation, leadership, and advocacy for patients.
Recognizing a True Leader in Mental Health
Since joining CCMHC, Eric has played a key role in advancing crisis and psychiatric care in Crawford County and beyond. His accomplishments include:
- Expanding crisis service capacity by leading the development of a future 16-bed Crisis Intervention Center and 6-bed Crisis Stabilization Unit, increasing regional access to inpatient psychiatric care.
- Establishing CCMHC’s REMS-certified Spravato Treatment Center, providing new options for individuals with treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation.
- Continuing to carry a caseload and provide direct client care, reflecting his passion for being both a leader and a hands-on provider.
- Supporting Recovery Court and championing client recovery journeys, building on his earlier work at Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas.
- Leading countywide efforts to expand naloxone access through education, distribution, and overdose prevention initiatives.
- Driving CCMHC’s growth as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) with the addition of in-house laboratory and pharmacy services.
Celebrating Excellence
“We are incredibly proud of Eric and grateful for the impact he is making in our community,” said Heather McCully, Executive Director at CCMHC. “This award reflects not only his professional excellence but also his passion for ensuring that every person has access to the highest quality behavioral health care.”
The V.J. Reddy Memorial Award honors the legacy of Dr. V.J. Reddy, longtime Medical Director at Four County Mental Health Center, and recognizes medical professionals across Kansas who embody his commitment to compassionate, client-centered care.