We (Nebraska Extension) have been partnering and referring Nebraskans to our Region Mental Health Centers throughout this past year. Last week, we had the chance to learn more about the Nebraska Strong Crisis Counseling Program. Along with successes, the crisis counselors shared they have faced some challenges engaging with rural and underserved families. We are hoping we can help provide opportunities for Nebraska Strong crisis counselors to make these important connections.
As you know, region mental health centers are accessible across the state. Other opportunities for outreach are events we are hosting that are attended by residents with properties located in the Nebraska Strong Recovery Project area. A map is attached that identifies the region and the counties involved in the project. If you would like Nebraska Strong crisis counselors to have a table or booth at your event, please contact the respective region project coordinator listed on the map (https://unl.box.com/s/14lsgsjko1anq07dl0bf1ie16ef6hi6k).
The Nebraska Strong Recovery Project counties are Antelope, Boone, Boyd, Buffalo, Burt, Butler, Cass, Colfax, Cuming, Custer, Dodge, Douglas, Hall, Holt, Howard, Knox, Madison, Nance, Nemaha, Pierce, Platte, Richardson, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Stanton, Thurston, and Washington. The project also includes the Santee Sioux Nation.
If you have questions, please reach out to Jean Ann Fischer or Soni Cochran.
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Background from Nebraska Strong Recovery Project: The Nebraska Strong Recovery Project is funded by a short-term disaster relief grant funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Center for Mental Health Services. This “Crisis Counseling Program” grant helps individuals and communities recover from the 2019 storms and floods through community outreach and access to mental health services. Our outreach program provides free and confidential community-based counseling and coaching on techniques for coping with prolonged stress. Our trained outreach workers are on the ground in affected communities helping individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds. We attend community events, respond to individual Rural Response Hotline referrals, and provide community education and support.
The project is currently scheduled to run until May 18, 2020 and serves the Santee Sioux Indian Reservation and 28 of 29 counties designated for individual assistance as part of the State of Nebraska’s Major Disaster Declaration. The attached map shows all included counties and the contact person for each of our Behavioral Health Regions. We look forward to partnering with you to better reach those in need during this difficult time.