After 32 years of state service, Martha Town, superintendent of Rainbow Mental Health Facility in Kansas City, has submitted her resignation. The resignation will be effective July 1.

Mrs. Town began with the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services as a social worker on the wards at Osawatomie State Hospital. She moved up to Chief Social Worker at the hospital, a position she held for 13 years before being asked to take over as Superintendent at Rainbow Mental Health Facility in 1993.

Because Osawatomie State Hospital was the pilot site for Mental Health Reform, Mrs. Town was deeply involved in the move to downsize institutions in the state and move mental health services to the community. Over the years, she has maintained a good working relationship with families and with mental health center officials as Mental Health Reform became a reality in Kansas.

Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Connie Hubbell praised the work done by Mrs. Town for the people of Kansas.

"For 30 years, Martha has worked hard to improve the lives of children and families in Kansas," Hubbell said.

The commission will begin a search for a new director for Rainbow, Hubbell said.

Page Last Updated: May 29, 2001