Nebraska Medicaid Program

Current Initiatives

Children's Mental Health and Substance Abuse Statewide Infrastructure Grant (SIG)

Early Childhood Mental Health Subcommittee
Purpose:
The Early Childhood Mental Health Subcommittee focused on the state infrastructure needed to address the mental health needs of young children (ages 0-5) and their families in Nebraska.

Background:
Advances in infant and toddler mental health research and practice indicate that very young neglected and abused children suffer significant disruptions to their emotional, cognitive and physical development. Systems that support development of healthy children promote positive mental health, prevent mental health problems in young children and their families, and support intervention for children and families impacted by mental health disorders.


PDFMeeting Minutes

November 7, 2005

September 16, 2005

August 5, 2005

There is a growing recognition that early childhood mental health is influenced by the physical characteristics of the child, the quality of adult relationships in the child’s life, the care giving environment, and the community context in which the child and family live.

Nebraska has a number of systems that interface with young children and their families. There is a need to identify shared expertise and practices that support development of coordinated state infrastructure to enhance community level interventions and programs. Interventions and programs in early childhood mental health promote social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of children, birth through age five, and their families.

Charge:

  1. Developed strategies for early identification of children at risk for experiencing social, emotional or behavioral problems, and services to address their needs.
  2. Developed system strategies for screening, referral and treatment for perinatal depression.

 

Timeline:
August – February 2006

 

Sponsoring
State Infrastruture Grant

Members: 

 

Committee Members Affiliation Location

State Agency

Carol Fichter

Early Childhood Training Center

Omaha

Paula Eurek

DHHS

Lincoln

Eleanor Shirley Kirkland

Department of Education

Lincoln

Marcia Corr

Department of EducationUNMC

Lincoln

Betty Medinger

DHHS Children and Family Services

Lincoln

Linda Shandera

DHHS Medicaid and Long Term Care

Lincoln

Chris Hanus

DHHS Children and Family Services

Lincoln

Pam Mann

Western Service Area

North Platte

Judy Gaiashkibos

Commission on Indian Affairs

Lincoln

Cecelia Oliverez

Mexican American Commission

Lincoln

Denny Behrens

Office of Rural Health

Lincoln

Deanne Armstrong

Drug Awareness Task Force

Gordon

Roger Wiese

North Central Health District

O'Neill

LOC

Tanya Rasher-Miller

Central Nebraska System of Care

Hastings

Jodi Hall

Region I Behavioral Health

Scottsbluff

Helen Raikes UNL Lincoln
Jean Wojtkiewisz Region III Behavioral Health Kearney
CJ Johnson Region V Behavioral Health Lincoln
Other
Frank Peak Creighton University Omaha
Dianna Waggoner Kim Foundation Omaha
Donna De Forge Headstart Gering
Barb Johnson Monroe Meyer Institute Omaha
Mary Fran Flood UNL Psychology Deparment Lincoln
Andrea Skolkin One World Community Health Center Lincoln
Mary Jo Pankoke Nebraska Child and Family Foundation Lincoln

Provider

Mary Barry-Magsamen Executive Director-St. Monicas Lincoln
Candy Shott Fred Leroy Health Center Omaha
Judith Hill Charles Dres/Healthy Start Omaha
Shiela Bierman Out-Patient Clinic Boys Town Omaha
Bill Swisher Pediatrician Lincoln
Gay McTate Provider Omaha
Shashi Bahtia Psychiatrist Creighton University Omaha

Parent

Nina Baker Parent Training Institute Omaha
Kathy Dunning Healthy Families Project Lincoln
Glenda Davis Parent Training Institute Omaha
Cindy Scott NAMI-FORSE Hastings
Julie Erickson Families Inspiring Families Lincoln

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