In light of recent gun violence, our nation's leaders are focusing on gun control but a panhandle facility points to mental health awareness.
The Platte Valley Mental Health center is one of the only mental health clinics in western Nebraska.
The Administrator at P.V.M.C, Laura Richards says when violence happens in America its normal for people to point the finger at mental illness.
Richards says statistically that assumption is wrong, and those with a mental health diagnosis are not any more likely than anyone else to commit a violent crime.
Richards says collaboration is key to help those suffering with a mental illness.
"I think what we need to do is fight the negative stigma for mental health and substance abuse, and one of the ways we can do that is by talking," Richards said.
Nebraska's state funding gives the panhandle the smallest amount for mental health, at only 5%.
