Region 1 Behavioral Health Authority

05/29/2026

MAY Mental Health Awareness Month 💚

Region 1 worked to reduce stigma, promote wellness, and increase awareness of mental health resources across our communities.

Throughout May, staff and community partners came together through Wellness Wednesdays, awareness displays, proclamations, media outreach, and a successful Wear Green Day – Strike Out Stigma campaign. Landmarks and facilities glowed green, while participants wore green and shared photos to spark conversation and show support.

Region 1 Behavioral Health Authority, alongside Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, and Sheridan counties, as well as Mental Health Alliance officially proclaimed May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month—demonstrating a shared commitment to recovery, resilience, and access to quality behavioral health services.

Thank you to the City of Scottsbluff and Regional West Medical Center for lighting up green and supporting this important cause. Together, these efforts strengthened awareness, encouraged open conversations, and reinforced a message of hope and inclusion.

💜Together, we are building a stronger, more supportive community. Let’s continue making mental health a priority for all.

🎉 Congratulations to our $50 gift card winner Jessica Rocha! Thank you for helping make a difference.

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05/26/2026

Week 4: 5/26/26
Support & Resources
Feeling overwhelmed? You are not alone.
Asking for help is not a weakness—it’s an act of strength.
🤝 Talk with a trusted friend
🧠 Reach out to a therapist
📱 Explore trusted mental health resources
Region 1 Behavioral Health Authority is here to help connect you to support across the Nebraska Panhandle.
✅ Call to Action
📌 Save this post and share it—because you never know who might need it.
🔗 Explore our website and mental health resources here: https://www.region1bhs.net/
📞 If you need immediate help:
• 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988

Region 1 Behavioral Health Authority organizes and coordinates comprehensive mental health and substance abuse services for eleven counties in Western Nebraska — serving approximately 88,000 people across 15,000 square miles.

05/20/2026

Region 1 Behavioral Health Authority staff were honored to attend the screening of My Ascension at the Goodhand Theatre in Kimball, Nebraska, on May 18, 2026, sponsored by the Panhandle Public Health District. Following the film, our team was grateful to participate in a meaningful community discussion.
Su***de remains a critical public health issue, more than 130 people die by su***de every day in the United States. In 2023, it was the second leading cause of death for individuals ages 10–14 and 15–24. These numbers underscore the importance of continuing conversations and prevention efforts in our communities.
Supporting su***de prevention across the Panhandle is a priority for Region 1. By showing up, sharing resources, and engaging in open dialogue, we help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind others that talking about su***de can save lives. These conversations build connection, inspire hope, and guide individuals and families toward the support they need.
Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed to the discussion, and continues to advocate for mental health and su***de prevention. 💚💜
***dePrevention

05/19/2026

📢 Tomorrow’s the Day—Get Ready to Take the Pledge! 💚
💚 May is Mental Health Awareness Month! 💚
Spring is here 🌷—a perfect reminder to focus on self-care and overall well-being. Supporting your mental health strengthens both your emotional and physical health, builds resilience, and helps you navigate life’s challenges.
🌱 Region 1 Behavioral Health Authority is proud to promote our community outreach initiative: Strike Out Stigma – Wear Green Day. This campaign is all about starting meaningful conversations, encouraging healthy habits, supporting one another, and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health.
👕 Be ready to wear GREEN tomorrow (May 20th) and take the pledge to help !
📸 Don’t forget—snap a photo of yourself or your team and send it to Kym Fries at kfries@region1bhs.net to show your support.
🎉 Bonus: Submit a photo to be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card!
Let’s come together, show our support, and build a healthier, more compassionate community. 💚

05/19/2026

Actionable Wellness & Self Care

🗓️ Your calendar can protect your mental health.
Small, intentional actions—like scheduling breaks, setting boundaries, or turning off notifications—can make a big difference in how we feel day to day.
✨ Self care doesn’t have to be complicated.
✅ Call to Action
Take a look at our infographic with 5 simple daily self care actions and choose one to try this week.
👇 What’s your favorite self care ritual? Share below!

05/18/2026

05/12/2026

Breaking Stigma, Community & Workplace Mental Health

Mental health may be invisible—but support should never be, especially in the workplace.
Mental health impacts how we show up at work, connect with coworkers, and manage stress.
💬 1 in 4 people experience mental illness, and many are balancing it while doing their jobs every day.
Creating mentally healthy workplaces starts with open conversations, understanding, and support without judgment.
Let’s work together to break the stigma—at home, in our communities, and on the job. 💚
✅ Call to Action
👇 Share a message of support, a workplace wellness tip, or a reminder that it’s okay to ask for help—at work and beyond.

05/12/2026

Region 1 has partnered with Avel eCare Services to offer free Community Support Sessions for farmers, ranchers, and families experiencing stress, loss, or disaster impacted by the Morrill Fire. These sessions provide a safe place to talk, listen, and connect with others who understand rural life and its challenges.
💬 Join a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) Session
• Join from anywhere — tractor, truck, or home
• Participate by phone, tablet, or computer
✅ What these sessions offer: • A safe, respectful space to share — or just listen
• Guided conversations led by trained facilitators from Avel eCare Services
• Support from others experiencing similar stress
• No pressure to speak — participation is always your choice
🤝 What to Expect • A place to talk and process stress
• Supportive group conversation
• Immediate help during difficult times
👥 Who Can Join • Farmers, ranchers, family members, and anyone in the community who has been impacted by the Morrill Fire
🕒 When • Sessions offered multiple times each week
• Join any session that works best for you
📋 Registration • Participants must be 18 years or older
• Scan the QR code or email NECares@avelecare.com to register
💚 Support is available — especially during times like these. You are not alone.