Left out

Of the eleven counties represented by the Region I Office of Human Development, one county stands out – Kimball.

Kimball County Commissioner Daria Anderson-Faden attended a Region I meeting in December, and reported to the board her findings during last week’s commissioner meeting.

The Region I Office of Human Development, a political subdivision of the state, is charged with the responsibility of organizing and supervising comprehensive mental health and substance abuse services in this region.

Counties that come under the purview of Region I include Kimball, Scotts Bluff, Banner, Sheridan, Dawes, Sioux, Box Butte, Morrill, Cheyenne, Deuel and Garden and each of these counties is required to be a member of Region I.

The Nebraska Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services Act mandates that all persons residing in Nebraska shall have access to behavioral health services.

“We don’t have a choice,” expressed the commissioner, “we have to belong.”

Recently, Region I has paired up with Schaffer Consulting during their meetings to help with organization and execution of the meetings with the county leaders.

Faden shared that during the meeting there was some discussion on substance abuse grants. It was stated that all eleven Region I counties in the Panhandle get the grants, but then recanted, “well, all but one.”

Faden questioned why Kimball County was left out of the disbursement.

“I’ve called over there and asked them specifically, ‘tell me the services that you provide to Kimball County’. I never get a response from them,” she said. “They don’t treat us right.”

Faden further explained that she had written a letter to Schaffer Consulting expressing her concerns about the treatment of our county.

Faden shared that during conversations with the Sheriff’s Department and Kimball’s probation officer they also expressed their concerns with the indifference shown by the government agency.

Kimball County Clerk Cathy Sibal questioned the board on whether the subject could be addressed at the Panhandle District meeting, scheduled for March.

“You (the commissioners) have to speak up for what is right,” expressed Sibal.

Faden stated that the Region I explained to the county boards that at the end of December they had $660,000 in excess funds that were never used or distributed, and they now were given an additional amount from the State of Nebraska in excess of $300,000.

The commissioner also expressed her concern of the Region I board members, that they were in a paid position but not doing what is expected of them.