Lincoln – From May 17 through May 20, volunteer motorcyclists will continue the tradition of the Pony Express Ride by riding across Nebraska in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of children’s mental health. This ride focuses on the message that mental health is fundamental to overall health for individuals of all ages – a message shared by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
During the ride, these dedicated riders will reenact the mail-delivery service of the historic Pony Express by picking up letters written by youth, their families, and other supporters about the importance of children’s mental health, their personal experiences, and their journey with mental health. The ride will finish at the Nebraska State Capitol at 1:30 pm on Saturday, May 20 where the riders will deliver these letters to Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, DHHS Interim Director of Behavioral Health Tony Green, and DHHS Chief Operating Officer Larry Kahl.
“The mental health of our children should be considered just as important as their physical health,” said Tony Green, Interim Director of the Division of Behavioral Health. “For the last 16 years, individuals from across our great state of Nebraska have gathered together to spread awareness about the importance of children’s mental health. It is a great honor to participate in this event and witness the power of our strong communities as they come together to raise awareness and support our kids, the future of Nebraska.”
Stops to pick up letters include:
Wednesday, May 17
- Kick-off at Cirrus House in Scottsbluff
Thursday, May 18
- Sidney
- Ogallala
- North Platte
- Gothenburg
- Kearney
Friday, May 19:
- Grand Island
- York
- Columbus
- Norfolk
- Fremont
Saturday, May 20:
- Omaha
- Pre-Rally at Lincoln Frontier Harley Davidson
- 1:30 pm: Arrive at Nebraska State Capitol Building, North Steps, to deliver letters. There will be activities for children and their family members, food, booths, and more as part of the celebration event.
Need to talk or get immediate help in a crisis? Help is available. If you or a loved one need assistance, please reach out to:
- The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; call, text, or chat 988
- Your faith-based leader, your healthcare professional, or your student health center on campus.
- Nebraska Family Helpline – Any question, any time. (888) 866-8660
- Rural Response Hotline, (800) 464-0258
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (oprime dos para Español) or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
- National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
