Lincoln, NE – The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Behavioral Health announced the reduction of the Mental Health Board waitlist at the Lincoln Regional Center (LRC) to zero as of May 8, 2024. Having a moment of zero patients on the waitlist indicates continued progress on meeting the treatment demands of the State of Nebraska. The Mental Health Board waitlist for the LRC has not been reduced to zero for at least six years.
Increased direct care staffing allowed LRC leadership to assess the use of beds across campus and increase active beds. Leadership also focused on advancing individuals through treatment as their needs allowed while ensuring they received a good discharge plan.
“It would not be possible to reduce the Mental Health Board waitlist without a lot of hard work from LRC staff,” said Mitchell Bruening, LRC Hospital Administrator. “They made a huge commitment to work well and hard with individuals to keep us focused on the throughput portion of treatment.”
Since January of 2023, the total number of patients in the hospital increased nearly 20% through May 1, 2024. Census will continue to be increased to the active bed total of 242 patients as staffing allows.
“Partnerships with the behavioral health regions has also had significant impact in helping individuals return to the community,” said Tony Green, Interim Director of the Division of Behavioral Health.
The LRC is a The Joint Commission (TJC) accredited psychiatric hospital operated by DHHS in Lincoln, Nebraska that serves some of the most vulnerable Nebraskans who face mental health challenges. Individuals are placed at LRC under guidelines set by the Nebraska Mental Health Board Act in Nebraska Revised Statute 71-901 – 71-963. The individuals are referred by community hospitals or crisis center with collaboration with the behavioral health region partners.
