OMAHA, Nebraska (WOWT) – Supervisors in Douglas County are looking for solutions to the growing mental health crisis.
On Thursday at Metro Community College’s Fort Street campus, board chair Mary Ann Borgeson led a panel outlining the second of three planned phases of the study of mental health facilities. This was the first of her four scheduled City Hall presentations.
Phase 1 has already determined that Douglas County’s public mental health facilities and community mental health centers in county jails are inadequate. Neither are equipped to adequately address the growing demands of mental health.
During the Phase 2 presentation, much discussion centered around whether two new and improved facilities to replace the current facility should be considered. Another option is to build new complexes, keeping patients apart at all times, but overlapping service areas where possible.
“Have we done enough for our citizens? This is very difficult and we can’t do enough,” said Douglas County Community Mental Health Center. said Sherry Driver, clinical director of “I think all we can do is do the best we can under the circumstances.”
These situations are now maximized by organized friendships between corrections and mental health centers, where they often interact with the same people during their struggles.
“The next best thing we can do is start stabilizing before it’s released and service it to keep us on the right track,” said Michael Myers, director of remediation for Douglas County. “And pass the baton in a very seamless way to those who will continue to help them succeed long after they’re released.”
If the board continues to move forward, Phase 3 will settle on design details. He said the current heads of the two facilities are still unsure of which plan to merge or not to merge is the best in the long run, so they continue to absorb as much as they can in public sessions. I’m here. Their goals in service are also very aligned.
“That’s what’s really exciting about these town hall meetings, you get to hear the community say what they need,” she said. “And at the end of the day, that’s what matters most to us, and what the citizens of Douglas County need.”
“Regardless of what form this plan ultimately takes, it won’t solve the mental health crisis in our community, but it can make it better,” he said. It matters to someone, and it will matter to dozens, hundreds, and thousands of people over the years. , that’s why you have to keep trying.”
They hope to decide in which direction they want to go by the end of this year, and if the development is approved, Phase 3 will seek to complete the design, construction and occupancy plans for final approval. increase. 2023 and him in 2026.
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