CHI Health gives 3K children’s mental health books to schools
Thanks for reading! Log in to continue.
Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required.
CHI Health is helping combat student anxiety and depression by providing 3,000 free books, “A New Norm,” to area elementary and middle schools across Nebraska and southwest Iowa.
The gift is designed to spark conversations about mental health.
“Educators are often the first adults to notice when our children are struggling personally,” says Marilyn Rhoten, vice president of Behavioral Health at CHI Health. “That’s even more important now as the pandemic continues to create stress for families. These stressors can show up in class, making it challenging to keep education on track.”
The book tells the story of a boy named Norm, whose “norm” was living with a cloud over his head, and nothing he tried could make it go away. Norm explores the confusing feelings of fear, anger and shame experienced during times of crisis and, through that journey, realizes there is hope.
CHI Health is also providing teaching tools including a discussion guide detailing the opportunities Norm’s story provides for exploring anxiety triggers, coping strategies and finding hope. Also provided are guidelines for concerning behaviors, and when and how to seek help from mental health professionals.
“We believe in the difference teachers make in the lives of their students,” says Dr. Cliff Robertson, CEO, CHI Health. “We hope these resources will support the teaching moments that happen in the classrooms every day.”
Recently, more than 750 educators from across the state registered for a first-of-its-kind virtual assembly aimed at supporting a safe return to the classroom. CHI Health mental health and infectious disease experts hosted the half-day webinar, addressing questions about masking and social distancing, and highlighted the importance of self-care.
“A New Norm” was featured during the webinar as a useful educational tool.
“At times like these, it’s important to reach out for help. It’s also imperative to reach out with help,” says Robertson. “Together is how we’ll make it through.”
If you or someone you know struggles with depression and needs assistance, contact CHI Health mental health professionals available 24/7 at 402-717-HOPE. For immediate or urgent help, dial 911.
Related to this story
Most Popular
Health department extends Lincoln, Lancaster County mask mandate through Halloween
The previous directed health measure was set to expire Sept. 30. Health officials updated the measure on the city’s COVID-19 website but did not publicize the extension in a news release.
New virus cases push Lancaster County weekly total to 643, smashing record
There were 643 new cases reported in the last week, topping the record of 476 cases recorded a week ago.
‘We will make Husker football work,’ mayor says; Health Department likely to green light Halloween
With 72 new coronavirus cases reported Friday, the Health Department kept the community’s COVID-19 risk dial in the mid-orange, or high, category for the third straight week.
State moving to Phase 4 of reopening as case, hospital numbers rise
Coronavirus-related restrictions will be loosened even though COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are at their highest levels since late spring.
CHI Health offering drive-thru flu shot clinics
The shots are available to people 7 years old and older at three Lincoln locations.
Mask mandate in Lincoln extended even as state plans to ease restrictions
With 251 cases reported this week, its the fifth-highest weekly total of the pandemic with another day to go.
Move to Phase 4 leads to spike in COVID-19 cases in 3 health districts
COVID-19 cases are surging in the three Nebraska health districts that moved to Phase 4 of the state’s reopening plan, but that’s not stopping…
Kids can teach us how to cope with pandemic
It is human nature to try to eliminate uncertainty. We plan, we save, we put things into both literal and metaphorical boxes. We do our best t…
Bryan Health to start using new rapid COVID-19 test
The rapid antigen test not only provides results faster — in as little as 15 minutes — it also is less invasive, requiring a swab that only has to go about 1 inch into a patient’s nose.