KEARNEY, Neb. – Open to the public, a virtual community gathering will be held on Saturday, May 2, 10-11:30am LIVE via Buffalo County Community Partners Facebook page Facebook.com/bcchp. The live event is hosted by the HealthyMINDS Collaborative, a mental health work group of Buffalo County Community Partners whose mission is to ensure children, youth and families have access to a unified behavioral health system to enhance overall wellness.
The virtual community gathering will promote ‘staying connected while staying home’. HealthyMINDS members representing multiple community organizations will serve as panelists to answer questions from the community and discuss available resources to enhance individual mental wellness. This event is designed to provide hope to our community as we navigate COVID-19 challenges.
During the Facebook live event, mental health providers will discuss the difference between expected behavioral responses to life stressors, and what might be signs of mental illness. The event will address signs of depression, anxiety, fear vs. signs of mental illness. Common coping strategies and actionable techniques to promote resiliency will also be shared.
Community members are invited to submit questions prior to the event on this live link https://bcchp.org/covid-19-community-forum/. There will also be an opportunity for participants to ask questions in comments during the Facebook live event.
Panelists addressing questions and community resources include:
- Krista Fritson, UNK Psychology Department, Central NE LOSS team member
- Jason Sharp, youth advocate
- Beth Reynolds, Region 3 Behavioral Health Services
- Hayley Jelinek, South Central Nebraska Area Agency on Aging and Disability Resource Network, BSW Elder Care Coordinator/ADRC Supervisor
- Tina Christine L. Chasek, UNK Associate Professor Counseling Department, Insight Counseling and Recovery Therapist
- Pastor Michelle Carlson, First Lutheran Church
- Jesica Vickers, Center for Psychological Services
- Dr Kenton Schaffer, CHI Health Director of Kearney
- Renae Zimmer, Central NE LOSS team
- Janelle Brock, MSW, LICSW, Suicide Prevention Program, VA- Nebraska Western Iowa Healthcare System
- Kiphany Hof, LIMHP, Associate Director UNK Counseling Department
- Jason Owens, Kearney Public Schools, Counselor
Buffalo County Community Partners is a non-profit organization that seeks to assess, strengthen, and promote the health of Buffalo County by engaging people, facilitating conversations and leading data driven decisions. For more information on how you can assist in building a healthier Buffalo County, visit bcchp.org.
