OTOC recognizes that everyone’s mental health is being impacted from our new current reality. Stress, loneliness,isolation, fear, and sorrow are taking a toll on everyone. Existing mental health conditions are also exacerbated. We have compiled some resources we hope you find helpful. Remember, you are not alone. *We are not mental health professionals. These resources… Read More
Starting the Year with Issue Cafes!
Mental Health Panel on Feb. 25 Mental Health leaders brought in a panel of mental health agencies and services to begin a conversation about the biggest needs for keeping people with mental illness out of jail. Some of the main issues discussed were lack of or shrinking funding and resources, both from the state and… Read More
Mental health emergency services kick off Issue Cafe month at Urban Abbey
Emergency Mental Health Services A panel of speakers spoke about emergency mental health services currently available in the Omaha Metro area and new ones being planned. Some resources shared: Nebraska Medicine Director of Behavioral Health: Dr. David Cates UNMC will be opening a Psychiatric Emergency Service next July. They are currently treating 3,000 psychiatric crisis… Read More
Solitary Confinement a mental health issue in Nebraska- Advocacy needed
OTOC and community members heard from Doug Koebernick about Solitary Confinement in Nebraska and the harmful affects concentrated isolation has on mental health. The evening started with a few minutes of the Frontline documentary Last Days of Solitary which shows the Maine solitary confinement system and the changes they’re made. The film really shows the inhumane… Read More
OTOC meets with 9 area senators in anticipation of 2019 Unicameral session
OTOC leaders are meeting with Omaha-area Unicameral senators. In October, we hosted a Candidate Accountability Session for candidates from districts 6, 8, 12, and 20. (Click here to learn more). Those candidates committed to meeting with OTOC leaders to follow up on their commitment to action. Leaders are now following up with the victors from those… Read More
Issue cafes educate about refugees, mental health, and housing
Improving Rental Housing in Omaha Seventy-five diverse community leaders met on Nov. 27 to learn about and discuss the state of affordable, quality housing. OTOC leaders presented some solutions like a rental property and landlord registration, a housing ombudsman, an inspection pilot project, and , the most effective, a rental property inspection ordinance. The lively… Read More