Outside a tidy brick building in Omaha’s Highlander neighborhood, there’s a sign bearing a familiar logo: a shield representing Nebraska Medicine and UNMC. But this isn’t a doctor’s office.
When Tomas Contreras arrived at the hospital Thursday morning, he knew he wouldn’t see doctors or nurses, but he knew help would be available.
Every Thursday, Nebraska Medicine and the UNMC Community Wellness Collaborative open their doors for anyone needing assistance with behavioral health and substance use treatment options or who needs help accessing community resources.
“Just seeing people makes you feel good,” Contreras said, “especially seeing smiles on people’s faces, it really helps start your day, get your mood going and feel positive about things.”
Celeste Akers, chief community services technician for Nebraska Medicine, has referred Contreras to psychiatrists and community support programs, helped him find transportation to doctor’s appointments, and helped him make sure his housing voucher was up to date.
“Today it’s paperwork and phone calls,” Akers said. “Who has a fax machine at home? You may have to do functional paperwork to keep your benefits or housing vouchers or fill out applications for rental assistance or whatever.”
The services offered every Thursday are funded through the Behavioral Health Connection, a free grant program that provides resources to those in need in Omaha. When the Community Wellness Collaborative opened in September 2023, the behavioral health team knew it would be a good touch point for the community.
“Many people in the area don’t have reliable access to the technology that’s often used these days to research things on their own or fill out forms and applications,” Akers said. “We also want to provide regular community education about mental health care and make it a normal part of overall wellness.”
Contreras is thankful to have people in her community who are willing to help with the stressful task.
“I feel better,” he said. “I hate getting lost and not knowing what to do next. I know they’re here to help me and won’t give me wrong directions.”
Behavioral health support is offered every Thursday at the Community Wellness Collaborative, along with monthly mental health resource presentations.
Akers is available at the Community Wellness Collaborative every Thursday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Those needing support can schedule an appointment with Akers by emailing them at this link. Walk-ins are also welcome. In addition to the support provided on Thursdays, CWC hosts mental health resource presentations on the third Monday of each month from 2 pm to 3 pm. For more information, visit the Community Wellness Collaborative website.
Akers has made connections with some people who stop by regularly for help, and she’s ready to help even more.
“It’s really rewarding when someone comes to me for the help they need and sees me as someone who is caring, approachable and able to help make a positive difference in their life and continues to reach out for help,” Akers said. “It’s often not easy to admit that you or a loved one needs help or to ask for help, but I want them to know that we’re willing to accept them for calling or stopping by, because that’s what we’re here for.”
