From May 15 through May 18, volunteer motorcyclists will travel over 900 miles across Nebraska to collect letters and raise awareness about children’s mental health.
The tradition of the Pony Express Ride focuses on the message that mental health is fundamental to overall health for individuals of all ages. This message is shared by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
During the ride, these dedicated riders will reenact the mail-delivery service of the historic Pony Express by picking up letters written by youth, their families, and other supporters about the importance of children’s mental health, their personal experiences, and their journey with mental health.
The ride will finish at the Nebraska State Capitol at 1:30 pm. on Saturday, May 18 where the riders will deliver these letters to DHHS Interim Director of Behavioral Health, Tony Green.
“Improving the wellbeing of children builds a stronger foundation for positive mental health in adulthood. Our children are the future of Nebraska,” said Tony Green, Interim Director of the Division of Behavioral Health. “The dedication of these riders reflects and highlights the importance of children’s mental health and the need to support mental health acceptance. It is a great honor to participate in this event and witness the commitment of Nebraskans to support one another and come together to raise awareness.”
Stops to pick up letters include:
Wednesday, May 15
- Kick-off at Cirrus House in Scottsbluff
Thursday, May 16
- Sidney
- Ogallala
- North Platte
- Gothenburg
- Kearney
Friday, May 17:
- Grand Island
- York
- Columbus
- Norfolk
- Wayne
- Fremont
Saturday, May 18:
- Omaha
- Pre-Rally at Lincoln Frontier Harley Davidson
- 1:30 pm: Arrive at Nebraska State Capitol Building, North Steps, to deliver letters. There will be activities for children and their family members, food, booths, and more as part of the celebration event.
Need to talk or get immediate help in a crisis? Help is available. If you or a loved one need assistance, please reach out to:
- For a mental health crisis: Call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
- National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (oprime dos para Español) or text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Nebraska Family Helpline – Any question, any time. 1-888-866-8660
- Rural Response Hotline, 1-800-464-0258
- For an emergency call 911
- For information on available resources call the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency: 402-817-1551
- Economic Assistance: 800-383-4278
- Your faith-based leader, your healthcare professional, or your student health center on campus.