Nebraska’s public health system recognizes the need for improved interface with the behavioral health system to support efforts that address depression, suicide and stigma through primary prevention, education and integration. Supporting the public health workforce, increasing protective factors among youth, and collaborating between service delivery systems may strengthen our response toward desired outcomes.

The SHIP priority selection process during 2016 included brainstorming about what actions might be considered for each priority. Participants offered initial recommendations for action:

• Efforts to consider might focus around universal screening practices; training for the public health and primary care workforce; environmental scan of the continuum of care; and advocacy for preventive approaches.

In January and February of 2017, each Priority hosted kick off meetings in which stakeholders began to define success, discuss direction and choose goals. Full action plans are expected to be developed by late summer 2017.