Mrs. Hoy and her husband adopted two brothers out of the foster care system promising to give them a forever home. Because one boy developed severe mental health needs, and the family ran out of insurance benefits and the boy was once again became a ward of the state. The results were exactly the same issues that other parents are facing today: If you can’t afford treatment, then do you give your child away in order that he might receive treatment? If you don’t trade your child for treatment, could his illness become so violent that someone will be hurt? If you choose to trade away your child in exchange for treatment, you will be charged for neglect and your name placed as a child abuser? Or, if you choose not to trade your child away, and bring him home, you risk being charged with child endangerment for failure to protect your other kids.

Medicaid mandated care under EPSDT, this is an entitlement for children, as is public education; however, many states design their own Medicaid laws to circumvent this opportunity for early intervention and healing for children. Isn’t it time for an honest look at how the system operates?

To learn more about Mrs. Hoy’s experiences with mental health insurance benefits and her book “Second Time Foster Child” listen to the May 15 Not Alone podcast by clicking on the play button below or downloading the file and listening later. To listen to any of the past Not Alone broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation Not Alone podcast page.

 
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May 15, 2012 – Toni Hoy, Author

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Airing every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST on station KCRO, channel 660 AM based out of Omaha, Neb.), Not Alone is a live talk radio program focused on behavioral health and recovery. Developed by The Kim Foundation through the support of C&A Industries, Inc., Not Alone works to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The show seeks to assure individuals, families, and communities that they are not alone, mental illness affects us all, hosting a variety of guest from across the country.

The Kim Foundation was invited to an open house at Ted E. Bear Hollow this past week called Hope at the Hollow Hour where we got to share in the activities and experiences utilized by more than 650 Omaha area children and families this past year. Youngsters are given permission to talk about their loved one and to grieve in their own way. Teens had decorated masks with words of bravado on the outside presented for the world to see; on the inside of the mask we read the profound words of pain and uncertainty these teens kept hidden in their hearts. Pre-schoolers looked at objects that were living and that were not, and learn that all living things, flowers, birds, and people, stop living at some time. This is all done in words at the young child’s level of communication.

We learned that children are deeply affected by death and adults often feel helpless in comforting them.  Some children are at high risk for maladaptive behavior and other problems, but having a safe place to find support and understanding, and to realize that other people are grieving too, enables the healing process. Ted E. Bear Hollow helps children, as well as adults, learn healthy coping mechanisms.  And best of all, the services are a gift from others; there is no cost to grieving families.

As we remind our friends, you are not alone, there are others who understand and will walk with you as you seek help, hope, and healing! If you know of a youngster who has experienced a recent loss, we urge you to attend one of Ted E Bear Hollow’s Hope at the Hollow Hour sessions soon for helpful information.

Hope at the Hollow Sessions

Wednesday, June 6 — 6 p.m.
Thursday, June 7 — 7:30 a.m
Wednesday, July 25 — 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 26 — 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, August 15 — 8 a.m.
Thursday, August 16 — 5 p.m.

Hope at the Hollow is held at 7811 Farnam St. Omaha, NE 68114. Call 402.502.2773 to reserve your spot.

Gayle continues to talk about the need for prevention and early intervention for children and adults; there is a need for help before a crisis occurs, so communities should be investing in more drop-in centers, crisis alternative residence, programs for consumers who are homeless, and Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for Law Enforcement.

Gayle has also been an innovative leader in the use of creative arts as part of the healing and wellness experience. Gayle celebrates the fact that mental health care is changing, and that we are helping people find their strengths instead of focusing on their weakness. Gayle has been one of the leading advocates for peer support programs for more than30 years. She knows her subject well!

To learn more about mental health advocacy, listen to Gaye Bluebird on the May 8 Not Alone podcast by clicking on the play button below or downloading the file and listening later. You can listen to any past Not Alone broadcast by visiting The Kim Foundation Not Alone podcast page.

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May 8, 2012 – Gayle Bluebird, Nationally Recognized Advocate

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Airing every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST on station KCRO, channel 660 AM based out of Omaha, Neb.), Not Alone is a live talk radio program focused on behavioral health and recovery. Developed by The Kim Foundation through the support of C&A Industries, Inc., Not Alone works to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The show seeks to assure individuals, families, and communities that they are not alone, mental illness affects us all, hosting a variety of guest from across the country.

Timothy was made a ward of the state in order to receive treatment, but this again was inconsistent and insufficient treatments. Timothy was bullied by other children because of his psychological illness, he suffered additional trauma by being separated from his family, and his depression spiraled downward. At age 12,   Timothy took his own life.

The family’s loss was overwhelming; however, with the support and encouragement of other families who had suffered similar losses, and the grassroots support for insurance parity across the state of New York, Timothy’s parents took leadership in resolving the unequal coverage for mental and physical illnesses in employer health plans. On December 22, 2006, Governor George Pataki of New York state, signed legislation enacting Timothy’s Law, requiring equal coverage between mental and physical illnesses. This is a mandatory parity benefit for treatment of adults and children with biologically based mental illnesses, or children with serious emotional disturbances.

In Nebraska on the other hand, insurance providers can give no coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of biologically based mental illness as long as they provide notice of such non-coverage in the plan.

To learn more about Timothy’s Law, listen to the May 1 Not Alone podcast by clicking on the play button below or downloading the file to listen later. To listen to any of the past Not Alone broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation Not Alone podcast page.

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May 1, 2012 – Timothyís Law

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Airing every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST on station KCRO, channel 660 AM based out of Omaha, Neb.), Not Alone is a live talk radio program focused on behavioral health and recovery. Developed by The Kim Foundation through the support of C&A Industries, Inc., Not Alone works to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The show seeks to assure individuals, families, and communities that they are not alone, mental illness affects us all, hosting a variety of guest from across the country.

In their own ways, each indicated that peer support groups have helped them develop personal coping skills and build resilience when working through their disorders. One great advantage of membership in support groups is that it reduces isolation and fear, and helps members find rewards in sharing successes and victories. Each person’s story is respected, understood, and shared as part of the healing process. Each of our guests agreed that being able to help others through recovery is one of the most needed components of healing.

Not Alone’s listening area is blessed with many fine support groups. Check out the support group page on The Kim Foundation Web site to find a support group that is right for you.

To learn more about the Omaha New Hope Support Group from Tim, Jessica, and Tami, click on the play button below or download the file and listen later. You can also listen to any past Not Alone broadcasts by visiting The Kim Foundation Not Alone podcast page.

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April 24, 2012 – The Voice of Consumers

Airing every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST on station KCRO, channel 660 AM based out of Omaha, Neb.), Not Alone is a live talk radio program focused on behavioral health and recovery. Developed by The Kim Foundation through the support of C&A Industries, Inc., Not Alone works to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The show seeks to assure individuals, families, and communities that they are not alone, mental illness affects us all, hosting a variety of guest from across the country.

CIT training began in Omaha in 2006 and has continued to expand through the years. Currently, there are two graduating classes each calendar year. This training enhances law enforcement’s response toward individuals who are experiencing mental health issues. It helps them recognize common forms of mental illness and also teaches them to utilize the most effective means of communicating with people experiencing a crisis.

Through classroom learning, consumer and family panels, role-playing in scenarios and simulation exercises, officers are trained to deescalate an individual in crisis, and have a better understanding of what the individual is experiencing as their crisis unfolds. Being able to participate in this training caused me to form a deeper appreciation for both what the officers experience on a daily basis, as well as the strong impact mental health issues have on an individual’s entire life.

Another component of the training was a day of site visits to treatment facilities in the Omaha area. Each of the facilities my group visited went out of their way to open their doors to us, allow us to visit with consumers, patients, and clients to better understand their experience with law enforcement, and let the officers know the best practices that create a strong collaboration between these entities and law enforcement in order to best serve individuals with mental health issues.

CIT training is a crucial step in strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the individuals they serve in their communities. These trained officers can now more effectively respond to incidents involving individuals in crisis, and better serve them by having a stronger understanding of what they are experiencing and what treatments are available to them. The officers who volunteered for this training are now more equipped to serve those in crisis, as their compassion, knowledge, and training have come together to enhance their experience as an officer.

Julia Hebenstreit, The Kim Foundation Administrative Director

About Julia Hebenstreit, Administrative Director, The Kim Foundation
Julia has a B.S. in Journalism (PR/Advertising) from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a J.D. from Creighton University. She has served as Vice President of the Nebraska Chapter of Grant Professionals Association since 2008, is part of the Women’s Fund Circle, is a member of the Omaha Chamber’s Young Professionals group, is a member of St. Cecilia’s Women’s Guild, and is a Goal Buddy for Partnership for Our Kids. Julia joined The Kim Foundation as Administrative Director in December 2011.

CIT training is a 40 hour class for law enforcement to learn how to work with people in mental health crisis. Consumers and family members are very much a part of the training; explaining to officers the turmoil they experience during times of crisis and how officers might offer calm and reassurance, rather than adding to the trauma being felt. Officers volunteer for these classes, and are pleased with the opportunity provided to become more knowledgeable, and more reassuring to people in need of assistance. 

Members of the medical profession, legal profession, therapists, police officers, family members, and most importantly consumers of care, all volunteer their time to participate in this week-long training. It is a very successful example of a community identifying a need, and supporting one another in order that a positive change in our system of care might be successfully implemented.

We noted with pride that the classes, originally designed for the police and sheriff’s department in Douglas and Sarpy counties have now included members from probation, corrections, and the Nebraska Humane Society, as well as law enforcement from Norfolk, Council Bluffs, and Sioux City, plus many other cities and towns in Iowa and Nebraska. The program is successful and continuing to expand. 

To learn more about the Omaha CIT program, listen to the April 17 Not Alone podcast by clicking on the play button below, or downloading the file and listening later. To listen to any past Not Alone broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation Not Alone podcast page.

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April 17, 2012 – Crisis Intervention Training for Law Enforcement

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Airing every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST on station KCRO, channel 660 AM based out of Omaha, Neb.), Not Alone is a live talk radio program focused on behavioral health and recovery. Developed by The Kim Foundation through the support of C&A Industries, Inc., Not Alone works to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The show seeks to assure individuals, families, and communities that they are not alone, mental illness affects us all, hosting a variety of guest from across the country.

To learn more about the Horizon Recovery and Counseling Center, listen to the April 10 Not Alone podcast by clicking on the play button below or downloading the file and listening later. To listen to any of the past Not Alone broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation Not Alone podcast page.

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April 10, 2012 – Horizon Recovery & Counseling Center

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Airing every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST on station KCRO, channel 660 AM based out of Omaha, Neb.), Not Alone is a live talk radio program focused on behavioral health and recovery. Developed by The Kim Foundation through the support of C&A Industries, Inc., Not Alone works to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The show seeks to assure individuals, families, and communities that they are not alone, mental illness affects us all, hosting a variety of guest from across the country.

The Urban League of Nebraska has become an empowering voice in the community, providing respected and trusted leadership, as well as becoming an advocate for economic improvement, parity, civil rights, and equal opportunity for all. The National Center for Children in Poverty shares an adolescent’s ability to successfully navigate the transition to adulthood which is influenced not only by behaviors and exposure to risk, but demographic characteristics such as race, ethnicity, family income, nutrition, obesity, violence, and injury prevention among others. Under the direction of Tom Warren, The Urban League is developing strategic plans that will continue their leadership in addressing the needs of Nebraska families in poverty.

To learn more about the Urban League of Nebraska, listen to the April 3 Not Alone program by clicking on the play button below or download the file and listen later. To hear any of the past Not Alone broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation podcast page.

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April 3, 2012 – Urban League of Nebraska

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Airing every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST on station KCRO, channel 660 AM based out of Omaha, Neb.), Not Alone is a live talk radio program focused on behavioral health and recovery. Developed by The Kim Foundation through the support of C&A Industries, Inc., Not Alone works to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The show seeks to assure individuals, families, and communities that they are not alone, mental illness affects us all, hosting a variety of guest from across the country.