A recent controversy involving corner cutting for practicality rather than strict adherence to protocol has brought the Douglas County Board of Mental Health under scrutiny. The court administrator and judges refused to comment on the matter, while individuals like Rhoades and McClellan declined interviews due to various reasons. County Attorney Don Kleine also did not respond to interview requests on the issue.
Despite the ongoing hostility surrounding the board’s processes, Borgeson emphasized the importance of maintaining a focus on serving the community effectively. Heller, chair of the state’s advisory committee on mental health services, raised concerns about the board’s failure to adequately handle mental health crises. He highlighted how families experience confusion and inefficacy when engaging with the mental health board due to a lack of enforcement power and struggles with ensuring patients adhere to treatment plans.
Heller suggested that restructuring and strengthening the board’s functions could lead to more effective outcomes. Additionally, he stressed the necessity of increased mental health resources in the area, a sentiment echoed by others involved in the situation. In Sarpy County, a pilot program is assigning caseworkers to patients as a potential solution to addressing gaps in the mental health system. Heller believes implementing this type of support could greatly assist individuals in navigating the complex mental health landscape in Nebraska. He urged local officials to prioritize constructive advocacy efforts with the Legislature rather than engaging in internal disputes, with his overarching goal being pushing for meaningful changes that benefit those in need of mental health services.
