Lincoln – From May 14 through May 17, volunteer motorcyclists will travel over 1,000 miles across Nebraska to collect letters written by youth and raise awareness about children’s mental health.
During the ride, volunteer riders will reenact the mail-delivery service of the historic Pony Express by collecting 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 tradition of the Pony Express Ride is centered on mental health being fundamental to overall health for individuals of all ages. This year, riders, youth, behavioral health regions, family members, and other key stakeholders will focus on knowing yourself to grow yourself. Each individual approach to mental health reflects their unique needs, background, and environment.
The ride will finish at the Nebraska State Capitol at 1:30 pm. on Saturday, May 17, where the riders will deliver these letters to DHHS Division of Behavioral Health Director, Dr. Thomas Janousek.
“Raising awareness and reducing stigma around childhood mental health sets a sturdy foundation for positive mental health in adulthood,” said Dr. Janousek. “The dedication of these riders reflects the important need to support the mental health journey of kids and individuals of all ages. Walking with someone experiencing a mental health challenge can have a long-lasting impact and be as simple as speaking kindly or calling to remind them they are not alone.”
Stops to pick up letters include:
Wednesday, May 14:
- Start at the Cirrus House in Scottsbluff.
Thursday, May 15:
- Sidney
- Ogallala
- North Platte
- Gothenburg
- Kearney
Friday, May 16:
- Grand Island
- York
- Columbus
- Norfolk
- Wayne
- Fremont
Saturday, May 17:
- 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.
If you or a loved one need assistance, please reach out to:
- The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org
- Same Day Scheduling and Walk-In Access services: dhhs.ne.gov/SameDay
- 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)
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (oprime dos para Español) or text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Nebraska Family Helpline – Any question, any time. (888) 866-8660.
- Rural Response Hotline, (800) 464-0258.
- For information on available resources call the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency: 402-817-1551
- Economic Assistance: 800-383-4278
- Your licensed healthcare professional, mental health provider, or student health center on campus.
- For an emergency call 911