Grant Spotlight: Bryan Health

Organization Name: Bryan Health

Mission: To provide excellent care and promote health with a focus on quality, collaboration and compassion.

Vision: Elevate quality of life through better health.

Funded Program Description: Programmatic Support for Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), National Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month

National Suicide Prevention Month helps focus on spreading the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. We want to bring forward conversations on how we can promote healing, help and give hope. National Recovery Month includes both suicide and behavioral health survivors who continue to dedicate every day to a life of health and wellness recovery. These topics lead perfectly into Mental Illness Awareness Week to keep the topic of mental health at the front of our community which includes: mental health organizations, health care professionals, law enforcement, first responders and the general public.

These programs provide a power way to reach diverse audiences across the region. Captivating public speakers provide a different point of view for the public and also support mental health professionals on best practices to reach those in need of their support.

MIAW has been a nationally recognized week since 1990 when the U.S. Congress established it to be the first full week in October. Activities during this week have far-reaching impacts. The Bryan Independence Center which serves the Midwest in supporting behavioral health needs, including substance dependence and addiction.

Thanks to The Kim Foundation’s support, Bryan Medical Center has been a community leader in Lincoln and our surrounding region, allowing us to bring awareness to anyone touched by mental health and substance abuse.

Program Details: The 2024 events kicked off with a lecture at St. Paul’s church on September 12th by WWE Hall of Famer and wrestling legend, Jake “The Snake” Roberts. Jake shared his story on how he overcame substance use and mental health challenges. How he overcame dark moments to focus on recovery and resilience brought motivation, understanding and encouragement.

On Thursday, October 10^th at St. Marks United Methodist Church, former NFL star and champion for mental health, Brandon Marshall will share his journey with borderline personality disorder.

Marshall will discuss how he turned his challenges into a mission to promote mental health awareness and tips for staying strong and healthy.

Successes of Program or Inspirational Stories: These events have been a great way to educate our community, region and state about mental illness and the resources available. We have seen growth over the years in attendance and overall awareness as a result of these events. We saw a historical response to our attendance with over 900 individuals attend the Jake “The Snake” event. It was wonderful to see the personal connection Jake made with the audience.  Jake also made a personal visit to the Bryan Independence Center to visit the treatment program and to meet 1:1 with the Residential Program clients and with the program staff.

Lastly, these events bring together over 25 agencies in Lincoln to collaborate during the health fair for all ages enjoying the events and access resources.

We continue to offer educational programs and mental health screenings, which can be a catalyst to make changes – for those experiencing mental illness personally or for a loved one. People learn that help is available, support is at hand, they are not alone, and that mental illness does not discriminate. Bryan Medical Center and other community partners help those in need find the appropriate direction for support, care and treatment. We are grateful for these partnerships and the continued support to help reach those in need of this message.

Contact Info: For more information about Bryan’s Behavioral Health Service visit our website at: https://www.bryanhealth.com/services/behavioral-health-services/ or call 402-481-5981.