Trained prevention specialists’ work with schools, parents, community coalitions, teens, youth, faith-based community organizations and community stakeholders to build community capacity through partnerships and collaborations, support and sustain substance use prevention efforts throughout West Central Nebraska.

Shannon Sell
P.O. Box 1209
110 North Bailey
North Platte, NE 69103
308-534-6029 ext. 208
shannonsell@r2hs.com

Region II Mini Grants

The goal of the Region II Human Services Substance Use Prevention mini-grant is to strengthen and expand West Central Nebraska’s substance use prevention efforts. Grant funding should focus on increasing the perception of risk related to alcohol use among all age groups, build community capacity through partnerships and collaborations, support and sustain substance use prevention efforts throughout West Central Nebraska. Activities must fall under one of the six Federal Strategies. Counties served by Region II include; Arthur, Chase, Dawson, Dundy, Frontier, Gosper, Grant, Hayes, Hitchcock, Hooker, Keith, Lincoln, Logan, McPherson, Perkins, Red Willow and Thomas.

Community Coalitions/Groups

• Provide technical assistance, training, and resource development to community coalitions.
• Funded Coalitions include: Community Connections, Ogallala Public Library and Dawson County Rooted in Relationships Early Childhood Mental Health Initiative.

Youth Education Programs

• All Stars
• Mentoring
• Halo (Healthy Alternatives for Little Ones)
• Second Step

Mental Health First Aid and Educational Trainings

• Adult Mental Health First Aid – is a 5-step action plan to offer initial help to people with the signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in a crisis, and connect them with the appropriate professional, peer, social, or self help care. 8-hour Mental Health First Aid course is ideal for first responders, teachers, and students, leaders of faith communities, human resources professionals, and caring citizens

• Youth Mental Health First Aid – is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. This is an 8-hour course primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people

• Mental Health First Aid for Veterans & their families - While military service often fosters resilience in individuals and families, some service members may experience mental health or substance use challenges. Thirty percent of active duty and reserve military personnel deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan have a mental health condition requiring treatment – approximately 730,000 men and women, with many experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression. Sadly, less than 50 percent of returning veterans in need receive any mental health treatment. The Veterans Administration reports that approximately 22 veterans die by suicide every day. Mental Health First Aid is a valuable resource that can make a difference in the lives of the more than 22 million veterans, their families, and the communities they live in.

Suicide Prevention

QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) QPR gatekeeper training takes just 1.5 hours and taught in a format that is clear and concise. Gatekeepers are given information that is easy to understand and reinforced by a QPR booklet and card complete with warning signs, methods to encourage a person to get help and a list of resources available in your community.

Trauma 101

• Define Trauma
• Describe the effects of trauma on adults and children
• Review ACES’s Study and the impact of trauma through the life span
• Identify stages of recovery
• Discuss ways to assess for and implement trauma-informed services
• Discuss the importance self-care

Parenting Classes

• Circle of Security

Drug, Alcohol Education

• Prime for Life (Drug and Alcohol Education)

All of the educational classes and upcoming trainings can be found on the calendar on our website.