Unlocking Opportunities: BHECN Southeast – Empowering Communities Through Innovative Healthcare Solutions

The Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) has opened a new site in Lincoln, making it a part of all six behavioral health regions in the state. This site aims to meet the specific needs of southeast Nebraska, which has a mix of urban and rural communities.

Dr. Marley Doyle, the director of BHECN, highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities in this area. “Southeast Nebraska has a diverse population, and we want to be responsive to the workforce issues here,” he stated.

The region is notable not just for its community mix but also for its educational institutions that train future behavioral health professionals. Additionally, there are several correctional facilities that have a pressing demand for these experts.

BHECN Southeast plans to collaborate with local partners, including educational institutions and mental health professionals, to tackle key workforce challenges. Co-Directors Dr. Wendy Baumeister and Dr. Kimberly Clawson are committed to tailoring BHECN’s efforts to better suit the community’s needs. Dr. Baumeister remarked, “BHECN has always been a leader in growing Nebraska’s behavioral health workforce, and we’re excited to focus on our region.”

Dr. Clawson added, “Southeastern Nebraska is distinct, and its behavioral health workforce needs reflect that. By involving various stakeholders, we aim to enhance mental health services in our community.”

Though the BHECN Southeast is already operational, a formal opening event is planned for Tuesday, April 15, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Region 5 Systems in Lincoln. You can find more details about this opening here.

This new site joins other established BHECN locations: BHECN Central at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, BHECN Panhandle at Chadron State College, BHECN Northeast at Wayne State College, BHECN East at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and BHECN Southwest in North Platte.

As mental health concerns continue to rise across the U.S., including in Nebraska, this expansion is crucial. According to a recent report by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, over 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year. The need for trained professionals in this field is more pressing than ever.

By enhancing education and addressing the specific needs of the community, BHECN Southeast aims to bridge gaps in care and improve mental health outcomes for residents in this diverse area.

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