Celebrating 65 years of serving the residents of Douglas County

Kyle Roggenkamp: “I know what it’s like to stand on the backs of great people. That’s what Bert Nash is, it’s an opportunity to stand on the backs of giants, of great people, and have that be a part of your support.”

Jon Stewart, CEO of Heartland Community Health Center: “The inter-relationship between mental health and physical health is still under-appreciated in our American health care system. At Heartland, we are grateful for the innovative ways that the Bert Nash Center works to make an impact for the benefit of our community. Our partnership is an excellent example of how BNC takes services where people can most readily be served."

Cindy Maude, chair of the Bert Nash Center Governing Board of Directors: “We are so fortunate to have Bert Nash in our community. Most people have no idea how comprehensive the critical services are that Bert Nash provides. It is truly one of the gems of Douglas County and has positively changed the lives of many children and adults in our community."

Ken McGovern, Douglas County Sheriff: “Bert Nash has been an invaluable asset to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office over the years. Bert Nash’s partnership with our office has provided important services and has allowed our staff, especially at the Douglas County Correctional Facility (DCCF), to help inmates with the professional services they need. Bert Nash has provided the tools, resources, guidance and insight to help our officers de-escalate crisis situations that arise at the DCCF and get the individuals the immediate assistance they need.

“Bert Nash has also been a key component in the Sheriff’s Office Reentry Program. The relationship between the Reentry Program and Bert Nash has led to a process for individuals with mental illness, who become stabilized while at the DCCF, to be able to continue their medication and case management in the community and then transition quickly to full Bert Nash services.

“Bert Nash has also been a tremendous help as the Sheriff’s Office explores solutions for expanding populations in the DCCF by providing needed consultation and data collection.

“The quality of service the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office provides to the citizens of Douglas County is stronger because of great cooperation with our community mental health center. The Sheriff’s Office looks forward to many more years of a successful partnership with Bert Nash.”

Matthew Herbert, Lawrence City Commission: “In far too many communities in America, ‘health’ is defined purely by physical well being. If your legs are not broken and your nose is not running, you are physically fine. This far-too-narrow definition of ‘health’ ignores the impact our mental health can have on every aspect of our lives as well as the lives of those around us. We are very lucky to live in a community like Lawrence that understands a holistic approach to health is necessary and accordingly does everything it can to make sure facilities like Bert Nash are enabled to succeed. Here’s to hoping Bert Nash is around for many generations to come!"

Marilyn Hull, Douglas County Community Foundation: “Mental illness is hellishly lonely. Recovery starts when someone reaches into your heart and says, ‘You are not alone. I understand.’ That’s exactly what Bert Nash does. Every day. For so many."

Brad Burnside, member of Bert Nash Governing Board of Directors: “The life-changing work that goes on at Bert Nash had been largely theoretical to me, until I experienced it myself. Now I see it from a board member perspective, but I also see it from a personal perspective."

“The Douglas County community is very fortunate to have the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center providing much-needed services. The partnership that Lawrence Memorial has enjoyed with Bert Nash works to create one system of care for patients we mutually serve. Bert Nash is a vital organization in today’s society where mental health treatment must come to the forefront more than ever before. We appreciate the history and the associates of Bert Nash as integral to the local health care system. Congratulations on your 65th anniversary!"

Anna Oliver: Since I’ve been an Ambassador volunteer, I have had the pleasure of meeting and seeing many people from Bert Nash, a place known for its welcoming and dedicated staff that is truly committed to helping their community.

I have heard people share stories about their own personal struggles or the struggles of loved ones and the serious impact it had on their lives, giving them a loss of hope. These stories typically end with them saying that Bert Nash “saved their life.” It is always so wonderful and encouraging to hear how they say that Bert Nash has helped them recover and given them the tools to live a happier and healthier life.

The staff at Bert Nash is very committed to making sure our community is educated and well informed about the services they provide. Attending Discover Bert Nash sessions and going through Mental Health First Aid classes are a great way to get started. I love being an Ambassador volunteer for Bert Nash, because it allows me to be a voice and share about the wonderful services that are available to everyone in this community.

* For information about becoming a Bert Nash Ambassador, visit bertnash.org, or email Emily Farley, Development Specialist, or call 785-830-1745.