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NE Senator Lynne Walz and Others Recognized in NABHO Annual Awards Event

The Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations (NABHO) conducted its annual awards presentations virtually, through a Facebook Live Event on October 7th.
Award winners this year include:
 

Citizen of the Year

Todd Duncan, former Chief Deputy with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department. Mr. Duncan was nominated by Tammy Stevenson with The Bridge Behavioral Health in Lincoln and Kasey Moyer with the Mental Health Association. “Todd is the epitome of a servant leader as evidenced by his sacrifice and dedication to his community, his peers, the agencies he collaborates with, and the clients we serve,” stated Tammy Stevenson in her nomination of Mr. Duncan. Kasey Moyer stated he, “works hard to network with community providers and people with lived experience to increase his knowledge, not only on substance abuse and mental health issues, but racism, trauma, the LGBTQ+ population, and all barriers people face in today’s world.”
Nebraska Educational Telecommunications was nominated because of their recent programming on mental health, and suicide prevention, and commitment to educating our state on about these important issues. Dr. Dave Miers, Bryan Medical Center thanked NET for “helping those suffering in silence learn to start the conversation of finding hope, finding help, and finding healing for their mental illness or to connect those who may be struggling with suicidal ideation.”
 

Professional of the Year

Margaret “Peg” O’Brien Reit, LMHP, Boys Town, is being recognized posthumously, as she died this past year after battling cancer. Ms. Reit was beloved by many and Pat Connell, Boys Town, stated that Peg, “was a passionate advocate for children and families. She was determined to ensure that every child that came to one of our programs had a positive experience. She knew the traumas and heartaches of the children in our care and was determined to make a difference. She made sure there were plenty of fun activities and that positive memories would be created while in Boys Town’s care.” She had a relentless determination in improving Nebraska’s mental health system.
Marilyn Rhoten, Vice President, CHI Behavioral Health Services, is being recognized as a “strategic, collaborative leader committed to integrating behavioral health in our clinics, hospitals, and communities focusing on improving both the individual and community health.” Ann Schumacher, President of CHI Health Immanuel referred to her “outstanding leadership qualities and sense of integrity.”
 

Legislator of the Year

Senator Lynne Walz represents District 15 in the Nebraska Legislature. She is being recognized for her passionate advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities, including mental illness and substance use disorders. She is committed to helping schools find ways to provide behavioral health care for their students. Senator Walz approaches all issues with care and compassion and is a steady “voice for the voiceless.” NABHO thanks Senator Walz for her support.
 

President’s Award

Barb Hoff, from Central City, was selected by NABHO President Chase Francl for the 2020 President’s Award. Mr. Francl, with Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska, selected Barb for her work in organizing and serving in the “Set Free” jail ministry along with several other members from her church community. Mr. Francl wrote that whether “providing help finding short-term housing and shelter, transportation to treatment or medical appointments, acquiring basic necessities, and meeting the emotional and spiritual needs of those she works with, Barb and her team, demonstrate an uncommon commitment to those commonly over-looked and misunderstood.”
 


The Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations (NABHO) thanks each of these individuals and organizations for all they do to support the behavioral health system, providers, and consumers across our state. Each of these award winners helps us serve our mission to build strong alliances that ensures quality behavioral health services, including substance use and mental health services, are available to everyone in our state.

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