Shocking Wildfire Toll: Here’s How Nebraska's HHS is Offering Life-Saving Help—Are You Affected?

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - In the wake of devastating wildfires sweeping through Nebraska, the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Behavioral Health is urging residents affected by these disasters to seek emotional support. Relief centers are being established to provide crucial resources for those grappling with the trauma and hardships stemming from the wildfires.

“Wildfires across the state have caused many Nebraskans to experience hardship and trauma,” stated Dr. Thomas Janousek, Director of the Division of Behavioral Health (DBH). He emphasized the importance of community partnerships in delivering these essential services and encouraged first responders and others involved in wildfire response to utilize the available support. “Asking for help is a sign of strength and empowers communities to be more resilient, unite, and recover together,” Dr. Janousek added.

For immediate assistance, Nebraskans can turn to trained crisis professionals through several resources:

• 988: This number offers access to mental health and substance use crisis response, suicide prevention, crisis de-escalation, and connections to local treatment resources. Individuals can dial 988, text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org.
• Disaster Distress Helpline: For 24/7 disaster crisis counseling, residents can call or text 1-800-985-5990. This helpline provides toll-free, multilingual support to anyone experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

Additionally, several local providers are offering crisis counseling options:

• Heartland Counseling & Consulting Clinic (offering both tele-counseling and in-person options) can be reached at 308-534-0440. They will provide on-site resources at various locations:
• Friday, March 20: Brady Community Center from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST, located at 121 N Main Street, Brady, NE.
• Monday, March 23: First United Methodist Church of Gothenburg from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST, located at 1401 Lake Avenue, Gothenburg, NE.
• Tuesday, March 24: Ogallala NACO Building from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST, located at 102 Diamond Springs Trail, Ogallala, NE.
• Human Services Inc. (tele-counseling)
• Karuna Counseling (tele-counseling)
• Richard Young (tele-counseling)
• For additional same-day access behavioral health services, visit dhhs.ne.gov/sameday.

A community event titled “Stronger Together: Community Chat” is planned for Tuesday, March 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. MT at the Oshkosh Methodist Church, located at 411 West 3rd St, Oshkosh, NE 69154. This gathering aims to provide a supportive space for community members to connect, share experiences, and receive behavioral health support.

As the wildfires continue to pose challenges to many communities, DBH assures that resources will be continually established at relief centers and staging areas as needed. Local Emergency Managers and Disaster Coordinators will provide updates on these resources.

Dr. Janousek also stressed the importance of recognizing signs and symptoms of emotional distress. Common reactions following such disasters can include:

• Persistent thoughts, memories, and nightmares related to the wildfires.
• Constant worry or feelings of overwhelming anxiety.
• Feelings of unexplained guilt.

Emotional distress following a disaster can linger for days, weeks, months, or longer. Individuals may experience a wide spectrum of emotions before, during, and well after the incident. It’s essential for Nebraskans to know that resources are available both now and in the future.

For more detailed information about behavioral health services available in Nebraska, visit dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Behavioral-Health.aspx.

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