Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week “Pony Express Ride”

Mark your calendars for a statewide awareness and advocacy event to be held May 4-10, 2008 in recognition of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Pony Express Riders will travel across Nebraska collecting letters addressing mental health related issues from families, youth, and other interested parties. These letters will be delivered to Governor Heineman on Saturday, May 10, 2008.

The Pony Express riders will begin their journey with a kick off celebration in Alliance on Sunday, May 4, 2008.

Express Route:

Sunday, May 4th – Motorcyclists leave Alliance and travel to Sidney
Monday, May 5th – Travel from Sidney to North Platte
Tuesday, May 6th – Travel from North Platte to Kearney
Wednesday, May 7th – Travel from Kearney to Norfolk
Thursday, May 8th – Travel from Norfolk to Omaha
Friday, May 9th – Travel from Omaha to Lincoln

Motorcyclists interested in participating may choose to drive the entire route or part of the route. They may also join other participants at the towns listed. Pony Express riders will be greeted in each of the communities with a picnic and letters will be picked up and/or passed off to new motorcyclists.

Following the letters being delivered to Governor Heineman, a dinner and dance will be held in Lincoln for families, youth, community members, service providers, and government officials. Awards will be presented recognizing individuals and organizations work on children’s mental health issues or their efforts in helping families and youth. A youth panel will address the need for broader public awareness of children and adult mental health issues, stigma surrounding mental illness, needs of youths and families, and success stories.

If you would like to participate in this event or donate funds in support of the Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week “Pony Express Ride” please contact the Nebraska Family Support Network at (800) 245-6081.

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