The Nebraska Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health has partnered with the Nebraska State Eagle Rider's (part of Eagle's Aeries) to observe Children's Mental Health Week. The Alliance Eagle's annually observes Child Advocacy Day in May as well.
This will be a state wide event in observation of Children's Mental Health Week and Child Advocacy Day. Our plan of events includes an across the state motorcycle "pony express" ride, collecting letters at each stop, to be delivered to the steps of the state capital directly into the hands of the Governor.
Each day will be another stop on the pony express run, with celebrations at selected locations. Friday night there will be candle light vigils at selected sites across the state. Saturday will culminate with the delivery of the letters to Governor Heineman, followed by a celebration at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
The goal of these events is to elevate awareness of children's mental health issues, with the hope of encouraging early diagnosis and treatment. Another goal is to eliminate the stigma associated with children's health. The stigma is a barrier and discourages families from getting the help they need due to the fear of being discriminated against or judged.
The Alliance Eagle Rider Chapter has taken on part of the leadership in organizing the “pony express” portion of the event. We have Chapters involved from Alliance, North Platte, Kearney, Holdrege, Hastings, Central City, Fremont, and Bellevue, with each group providing a portion of the run.
The start of the “pony express” is right here in Alliance. ANY motorcycle rider ( you do NOT need to be an Eagle Rider) can help with this cause by showing up at the Alliance Eagles Club (on West 3rd St) at 10:30 AM, Sunday May 4th. The riders will leave at 11:00, ride to the Bridgeport Aerie where we will meet with a group from Scottsbluff. We will proceed to Sidney, where we will meet the North Platte Eagle Riders to handoff the letters for the second leg of the pony express. Candy Kennedy, the Executive Director for the NFFCMH will also meet with us in Sidney.
