Sound Partners

"Nebraska Connects: Mental Health Reform," a 12-part in-depth series (airs March 2 through April 7) on mental health reform and access to care for Nebraskans in rural areas.

The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center partnered with NET Radio to raise awareness about mental issues in Nebraska and to develop a community guide as a resource for community and faith-based organizations interested in providing services in the areas of mental health, substance abuse and addiction. The NET radio broadcasts air during "Morning Edition" Thursdays and Fridays at 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. CT through April 7th . To hear past broadcasts, visit http://mynptv.org/ne_connects/index.html. To view the community guide, visit www.nebhands.nebraska.edu.

The Nebraska Public Radio Network (NET Radio) in partnership with the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center (PPC) NEBHANDS project, is engaging the statewide radio audience and three targeted communities in a project that is raising public awareness of the issues Nebraskans must confront to create effective mental health care reform. The project highlights Nebraska’s need to move toward a community-based mental health care system that relies on a variety of services provided by “natural helpers” such as clergy and educators. Nebraska’s current systems for delivering and accessing mental health care do not adequately address the needs of many of the state’s citizens. Rural elderly, youth and minorities are particularly vulnerable. In April 2004, a law was passed in Nebraska that will ultimately result in the downsizing of state-run psychiatric hospitals, bringing new urgency to the state’s need for community-based mental health care reform.

NET Radio will produce 12 in-depth radio news stories, highlighting issues in mental health care reform and access in Nebraska. Broadcast during Morning Edition, these stories will reach thousands of listeners across the state. NET Radio’s series will report on the history of the existing system and the unique circumstances of those seeking access to quality care in rural Nebraska, as well as the opportunities for community-based reform.

The Public Policy Center’s NEBHANDS project is working with its established coalitions in three rural regions to bring together stakeholders to identify needs and introduce/provide the Community Guide toolkit.

These efforts will be promoted by NET Radio and the PPC in statewide and local media, through targeted presentations and mailings, and through community partners including faith organizations, cultural centers, consumer groups and community organizations.