“Nebraska Mental Health: Who’s Responding?” This video, aired December 15th on
NET, examines how law enforcement first responders and communities are dealing with mental health calls. Experts discuss an innovative program of peer counseling in Lincoln, and the special challenges of providing services in rural areas.
The program is hosted by NET’s Fred Knapp, and includes the following guests: Sgt. John Walsh (Lincoln Police Department), Ashley
Wilksen (Peer Support Specialist at Mental Health Association of Nebraska), Mel McNea (CEO of Great Plains Health in North Platte, NE), and State Senator Kate Bolz (Chair of the Nebraska Legislature’s Mental and Behavioral Health Task Force).
Discussion includes different types of mental health calls received by law enforcement, trained peer counselors making follow-up calls, determining emergency or outpatient treatment that may include substance abuse, available mental health workers, ability to pay for services, and safe housing following treatment.
To read about and listen to this 30 minute program, visit
“Nebraska Mental Health: Who’s Responding?” at
NetNebraska.org/news.
For more information and resources, visit
Nebraska Mental Health.
