Nebraska Strong: Well-Being During Trying Times

Well-Being During Trying Times

Air Date: 12/16/2021

Support during stressful times is more important now than ever. Whether it is from the impacts of COVID-19, financial concerns or relationship issues, dealing with stress and mental well-being is critical to live a full, good, life. The Nebraska Strong Recovery Project is an outreach program working with individuals, families and communities impacted by COVID-19 and other issues that threaten well-being. Nebraska Strong provides community-based support and education to help all Nebraskans.

"Nebraska Strong: Well-Being During Trying Times" is a 30-minute program featuring video segments and panelists discussing these issues, connecting viewers with resources and presenting ideas for how Nebraskans can self-help and find help. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255)

This Connects program is a partnership with the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center.

Featured Panelists

Sheri Dawson, RN, BS
Sheri has served as Director of the Division of Behavioral Health in the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) since being appointed by Governor Pete Ricketts in 2015. She graduated from Bryan School of Nursing and Nebraska Wesleyan University. She has devoted over 34 years to the prevention, treatment and recovery of individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Sheri currently serves as the President on the Board of National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) and the Region VII Representative to the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD) Board of Directors. She is passionate about ensuring behavioral health is a normalized and integrated part of the healthcare conversation.

Dominique Saldana, System of Care Project Director, Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare/Team Leader Nebraska Strong Recovery Project
Dominique is the Team Lead Crisis Counselor. Over the last ten years, Dominique has spent her career in non-profit and grant work focused on children and behavioral health. She has a Bachelor’s in International Relations, a graduate degree in Public Administration from St. Mary's Univ. and is pursuing her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership at College of St. Mary.

Kyle Kinney, Program Manager, Nebraska Family Helpline
Kyle is a therapist by trade while working across systems as a human services professional, serving youth and families in the foster care system, high school dropouts, long-term residential care, resource management and private practice. He has been with the Nebraska Family Helpline for the past eight years.

Susan Harris, Rural Health, Wellness, and Safety Educator for Nebraska Extension.
Susan has a 15-year history of education, liaison and administrative work in health, wellness and safety. Currently, she leads Nebraska Extension’s Wellness in Tough Times team, is Co-Lead for the Rural Family Stress and Wellness collaborative group, team member for the Nebraska AgrAbility project and has presented numerous stress management workshops throughout the state.

  • Watch more in the videos below. See how yoga helps Nebraska Strong staff with its well-being and hear more from Dr. Antoni Schutz on what to expect when visiting a therapist, the roles of friends & family and other self-care tips.