The picturesque town of Kearney, Nebraska, has become a bustling hub for healthcare providers eager to tackle one of modern medicine’s most pressing issues: behavioral health. This year’s UNMC Project Peace conference is not just a meeting of minds; it’s a call to action for physicians across the state.
Rising Concerns Post-Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has left lasting impressions on many facets of daily life, with behavioral health standing out as a major area of concern. The Behavioral Health Education Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), spearheaded by Deputy Director Kati Cordts, recognizes the urgency of these challenges, particularly in rural communities where resources are scarce.
“With that rising need and also decreased stigma around behavioral health, it’s important that we make sure that the full community of the healthcare workforce is educated and able to provide services as needed,” Cordts passionately explains.
Equipping the Providers
The two-day gathering is the culmination of Project Peace, an initiative focused on empowering primary care providers with essential skills to address mood disorders and psychiatric emergencies. As attendees engage in hands-on workshops, they are also partaking in an extensive educational journey designed to ripple through Nebraska’s healthcare system.
Interactive Workshops and Key Trainings
Four specialized workshops are taking the spotlight, each zeroing in on essential topics such as mood disorders and psychiatric emergencies. These sessions are structured to give healthcare providers cutting-edge training while fostering a spirit of collaboration and understanding. A broad spectrum of attendees—about 50 in total—covering all six of Nebraska’s behavioral health regions is testament to the initiative’s inclusive and necessary nature.
Continuing the Education Journey
In a move to broaden the reach of behavioral health education, the Center has developed a series of continuing education modules, freely available online. These modules stand as a resourceful asset, ensuring that the teachings of Project Peace extend beyond the confines of the conference walls. According to Panhandle - News Channel, these educational resources represent a commitment to better equipping healthcare professionals to meet the growing demands of their patients.
As providers return to their respective communities, they carry with them not only newfound knowledge but also a strengthened resolve—to transform behavioral health treatment through informed and compassionate care.
