The Kim Foundation was pleased to join the Nebraska chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) in recognizing individuals throughout the Omaha area who have been instrumental in promoting mental health care. Local heroes, including healthcare professionals, community supporters and treatment teams were recognized for their ongoing dedication to the mental health field. Diane Jorgensen, Director of Psychiatric Care at Maple Crest Care Center, and Deputy Chief Marty Bilek of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office were two individuals nominated by The Kim Foundation and selected as award recipients for their work towards improving the lives of those suffering from mental illness.

Diane's direction at Maple Crest Care Center lead to a successful partnership with the Friendship Program in developing Peer Support programs ). This pilot project, funded by the Kim Foundation, addressed many of the critical needs facing individuals with mental illness. Through the implementation of peer support services, residents affected by mental illness are provided the resources necessary for developing recovery and relapse prevention skills. Such skills further allow individuals the opportunity to live and work in community settings less restrictive than those of a nursing home. Information gathered through the pilot project is available for use by other nursing homes and facilities working with individuals suffering from mental illness.

Deputy Bilek was instrumental in establishing the area Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) (Please link to the Heartland Crisis Intervention Council article from the Take Action page). The CIT program is designed to educate and prepare law enforcement officers that come into contact with individuals with mental illnesses to recognize the signs and symptoms of these illnesses, and to respond effectively and appropriately to people who are experiencing a psychiatric crisis. The second Crisis Intervention Training class for police officers will take place the week of September 25th in Omaha. The Omaha Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff, Corrections Officers, and 911 operators are enrolled for this next training.

The Kim Foundation thanks NAMI for recognizing the important work of such extraordinary individuals.