CONTACT
Julie Naughton, Communications and Legislative Services, DHHS (402) 471-1695 (office); (402) 405-7202 (cell); julie.naughton@nebraska.gov
Holly Stevens, Eagle Riders, (308) 991-4694; Bill Primrose, Eagle Riders, (402) 463-9752
Lincoln – Volunteer motorcyclists will travel across the state from May 15 through May 18 for the 12th annual Pony Express, an effort to raise awareness about children's mental health. The ride will finish in a ceremony at the Nebraska State Capitol at 1:30 pm on Saturday, May 18.
The ride focuses on the message that mental health is fundamental to overall health, a message shared by the Department of Health and Human Services.
The bikers, most of whom are members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and called Eagle Riders, will kick off their ride in Scottsbluff on May 15. During the ride — which spans almost 900 miles — these dedicated riders will reenact the mail-delivery service of the venerable Pony Express by picking up letters about children's mental health written by youth, their families and other supporters, which will be delivered to state employees at the State Capitol.
“For the past 12 years, the Eagle Riders have been a key partner in raising awareness for children's mental health," said Sheri Dawson, director of the Division of Behavioral Health at DHHS, noting that suicide prevention in youth is a key focus this year. “The Eagle Riders physically pick up letters at each of the stops across the state, then deliver the letters to Lincoln, and their advocacy helps us deliver the message that there is hope and there is help for those who are dealing with difficult situations."
“Creating awareness is vital in the pursuit of improving the systems that support our young people struggling with behavioral health challenges in Nebraska," added Sara S. Nicholson, executive director of the Snow-Redfern Foundation, a supporter of the ride.
On May 16, the riders will make a stop in Sidney to pick up children's letters, then head to Ogallala, North Platte, Gothenburg and Kearney. May 17 will take the riders to Grand Island, York, Columbus and Norfolk. The final day, May 18, the riders will visit Boys Town's main campus in Omaha and wrap up the tour on the steps of the Nebraska State Capitol, where the letters will be delivered to state leaders.
Stops (all times local to the city's time zone) include:
Wednesday, May 15th
- 6:30 pm, Scottsbluff: Public event at Cirrus House, 1802 17th Ave. In addition to the Eagle Riders appearance, Cirrus House will hold its annual block party.
Thursday, May 16th
- 9 am, Sidney: Sidney Community Center/Kids Korner, 627 Toledo St.
- 11:10 am, Ogallala: Keith County CASA, 307 W. A St.
- 1:50 pm, North Platte: Connection Homeless Shelter, 414 E. 6th St.
- 3:20 pm, Gothenburg: Lafayette Park, 314 27th St.
- 5 pm: Kearney: Kearney Armory, 5710 Airport Road, event with Families Care
Friday, May 17:
- 9:40 am: Grand Island: Boys Town Shelter, 3230 West Wildwood Drive
- 11:10 am, York: Wessels Living History Farm, 5520 S. Lincoln Ave.
- 1:45 pm, Columbus: Youth For Christ, 2809 13th St.
- 3:55 pm, Norfolk: Ta Ha Zouka Park, public event with Parent to Parent Network
Saturday, May 18
- 10 am, Omaha: Boys Town Main Campus, West Dodge Road
- 1:30 pm: Arrive at Nebraska State Capitol Building to deliver letters
DHHS provides many resources for families with behavioral health needs, including the Nebraska Family Helpline, a free, confidential resource for parents with questions or concerns about their child's behavior. The Helpline phone number is 1-888-866-8660.