KEARNEY, Neb. — Healthcare providers from across the state are in Kearney for workshops aimed at equipping them to better treat behavioral health problems.

The conference is the culmination of Project Peace, an initiative from UNMC’s Behavioral Health Education Center. Deputy Director Kati Cordts says the center has seen a rise in the need for behavioral health services since the pandemic, especially in rural areas. Through the project, she hopes to make primary care providers better trained on foundational principles.

“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 said.

The conference offered four workshops based on foundational skills related to treating mood disorders and psychiatric emergencies. About 50 people attended from 14 counties covering all six of the state’s behavioral health regions.

The Center also created a series of continuing education modules related to behavioral health. Those modules are available for free online.