Drew Adkins, Commissioner

Drew Adkins is the Commissioner for Behavioral Health at the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. In that role, he serves as the state’s mental health Authority and the single state authority for substance abuse. Commissioner Adkins oversees six separate divisions in the Behavioral Health Commission and roughly a $350 million budget. The BHS commission is responsible for programs such as oversight of certified community behavioral health clinics, problem gambling, crisis intervention and stabilization centers, SAMHSA's Mental Health and Substance Use block grants, housing and employment programming for individuals with serious mental illness, suicide prevention and primary prevention efforts, and the Kansas Olmstead agreement.

Drew has a background in Missouri state government, working most recently in the Missouri Department of Mental Health as the Communications Specialist for the Office of Disaster Services and serving a stint with the Missouri Department of Economic Development. He also served several years as legislative staff in the Missouri House of Representatives, most recently working for the Missouri House Budget Chairman in fiscal policy. Drew has a Master of Business Administration, a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics from the Bloch School at UMKC, and a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from Missouri State University. Drew was recently appointed to the Board of the National Research Institute, which is part of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, and he volunteers at his church.

Drew was appointed interim Commissioner of Behavioral Health Services effective November 27, 2023, and permanently appointed Commissioner on February 5, 2024. He began his tenure with KDADS as Assistant Commissioner of Behavioral Health in October 2021.

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What We Do

The Behavioral Health Services Commission manages mental health services in Kansas, working with 26 community mental health centers across the state. In addition, it oversees addiction and prevention service programs for the State of Kansas, including targeted workforce development initiatives. In addition, the commission works in close collaboration with the Governor’s Behavioral Health Services Planning Council.

Our work is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and KDADS. KDADS is responsible by statute for coordinating and providing substance abuse and mental health services in Kansas. We promote effective public policy and develop and evaluate programs and resources for behavioral health prevention, treatment, and recovery services.