County to receive Pioneer Award

Douglas County is deeply honored to receive the Pioneer Award from its longtime partner Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center. Commissioners and administrative staff are committed to helping those who struggle with mental illness and substance abuse in our community. Through community partnerships — such as our partnership with Bert Nash — we can truly make a significant difference in supporting our most vulnerable community members.

In recent years, Douglas County has leaned on Bert Nash more than ever to help tackle the evolving and complex needs of our community. We are truly grateful for their expertise and guidance. They have devoted countless hours to helping improve our system of care. Together, we are proud of what we’ve accomplished, including:

•    Reducing the number of people with mental illness in the Douglas County Correctional Facility.

•    Launching a new Peer Fellow program that connects trained individuals who have lived experience with members who struggle with mental illness and addiction.

•   Expanding the WRAP program so it is available in all four school districts in Douglas County.

•    Providing more psychiatry services in Douglas County.

•    Creating Transitions, a congregate-style living setting that will serve up to 12 clients of Bert Nash and help them in their recovery, expected to be complete this fall.

•    Creating a new Crisis Center, expected to open by the end of 2021, that will be open 24/7 and provide observation, medication assisted detox, crisis stabilization, and respite beds.

During the past decade, as state resources and funding have significantly decreased, Douglas County has worked diligently to help fill the void. In 2018, Douglas County provided an additional $1.9 million in its budget for mental health services through the vision of retired County Administrator Craig Weinaug. And, thanks to Douglas County voters, a quarter-cent sales tax was approved in November 2018 in an effort to continue to improve behavioral health services and facilities.

On behalf of those who live in Douglas County and those who work for Douglas County government, thank you for recognizing this important work. We look forward to the opening of the Treatment and Recovery Campus and working with Bert Nash in continuing to provide and improve services. Ours is a tremendous partnership, providing important, life-saving work for years to come.

Patrick Kelly, Douglas County Commission Chair