NEWS & NOTES

“We will be forever grateful for the community’s support, which paved the way for the construction of the Community Health Facility. I know I speak for all three agencies when I say what an honor it is to serve the residents of Douglas County. We all have our unique missions yet we all share the common goal of bettering the lives of our fellow citizens. Because of the community’s support, and because of the support of our local government, thousands upon thousands of lives ha

After Patrick Schmitz became CEO of the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center in the summer of 2017, he spent a lot of time out in the community, listening. Most of what he heard about the Center was positive. But if there was a common concern it had to do with the limited hours for intake assessments and access to services. Those two areas became a primary focus for the Bert Nash team. And they rose to the challenge. “As a Center, we’ve been working to remove the barriers

In planning and conversations leading up to building the Community Health Facility in 1999, leaders in Lawrence and Douglas County focused on a central location for three community health agencies to better coordinate care and public service. On the 20th anniversary of the building’s opening, members of the public are invited to see how that initial investment still serves the community’s health needs in various ways. The original occupants – Bert Nash Community Mental Health

Brad Cook, Bert Nash Community Support Services program manager, is the 2019 recipient of the Sandra Shaw Spirit Award. The award, named for the late Bert Nash CEO, is the highest honor a Bert Nash staff member can receive. Julie Berndsen, last year’s recipient, when making this year’s award presentation, said, “This person strives to bring everyone together to accomplish the Bert Nash mission.” Congratulations, Brad! You inspire all of us at Bert Nash!

When Jennifer Sherman was at her wit’s end, she received the help she desperately needed. Now, in her role as a parent support specialist at the Bert Nash Center, she helps other parents who are in similar situations. It wasn’t that long ago, Sherman was one of those parents who was struggling. Her daughter, who was 13 at the time, was having some major issues. The Shermans – Jennifer and her husband, Andy – knew their daughter needed help. That’s when they came to Bert Nash.