Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Justice in an investigation into the state’s mental health services. Representatives from the DOJ will host town halls on Tuesday and Wednesday to directly address concerns from Nebraskans.
Disability Rights Nebraska has announced a town hall in Omaha on Tuesday, May 14, at 3:30 p.m. at the Metro Community College Fort Omaha Campus, Building 10, Room 110. Another town hall will be held in Lincoln at 3:30 p.m. on the same day at the Mental Health Association of Nebraska, located at 1645 N. Street. Additional town halls will take place in Kearney and Scottsbluff on Wednesday, May 15; their locations can be found on the Disability Rights Nebraska website.
Lisa Casullo, who holds a doctorate in psychology, has shared her journey of overcoming post-traumatic stress disorder and depression since her teenage years. She emphasizes the importance of continuing conversations about mental health struggles, citing her own experience with limited access to treatment due to financial constraints.
Disability Rights Nebraska has highlighted the lack of adequate services for Nebraskans with serious mental illnesses. Amy Miller, a monitoring attorney with the organization, refers to the 1999 U.S. Supreme Court’s Olmstead Decision, which mandates the integration and inclusion of people with disabilities. Miller argues that Nebraska has not taken the necessary steps to comply with this ruling, such as establishing behavioral health clinics, providing affordable housing, and supporting community groups.
Advocates like Miller and Casullo urge individuals to voice their concerns, as they believe mental health issues in Nebraska have been neglected for too long.
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