<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590020973544.png" alt="Gov. Ricketts (podium) and DHHS Director of Behavioral Health Sheri Dawson (standing, far left)&nbsp;at today’s press conference." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Ricketts (podium) and DHHS Director of Behavioral Health Sheri Dawson (standing, far left)&nbsp;at today’s press conference.</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb.-Governor Pete Ricketts announced that Test Nebraska sites will be in seven communities next week.&nbsp; Testing will occur in&nbsp;Beatrice, Hastings, Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha, Seward, and York.Gov. Ricketts also&nbsp;designated May as Mental Health Awareness Month and Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month in Nebraska.&nbsp; Sheri Dawson, Director of the Division of Behavioral Health in the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS, accepted the official proclamation from the Governor.&nbsp; She emphasized the mental health challenges of the ongoing pandemic and gave advice for prioritizing mental well-being.Gov. Ricketts: Test Nebraska·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We continue to encourage people to take the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftestnebraska.com%2F&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cee6d0b7ffe194b3ab31708d7fd0e2278%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637256109472090209&amp;sdata=MrWiKg0EcVxayDm3za1syfApM2ot63tnK8hsRSrwDIw%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">TestNebraska.com</a>&nbsp;assessment.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Testing is taking place today in Lincoln and Omaha, and locations will open in Dakota City and Scottsbluff later in the week.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Next week, Test Nebraska will be in Beatrice, Hastings, Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha, Seward, and York.Gov. Ricketts: Mental Health Month·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This May, it is especially important to focus on mental health. &nbsp;We&nbsp;know that the&nbsp;coronavirus pandemic has added uncertainty, altered daily routines, and caused social isolation.&nbsp;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In recognition of these issues, I am proclaiming May as Mental Health Awareness Month and Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month in the state of Nebraska.Sheri Dawson: Mental Health Month·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One in five Nebraskans experiences mental illness or substance abuse.&nbsp; That includes adults and children.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We have an opportunity to normalize the conversation about mental health and mental illness.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This month, we’re encouraging individuals to educate themselves about the signs of mental health distress.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp;Withdrawal§&nbsp;&nbsp;A change of behavior in how someone interacts with others.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Agitation§&nbsp;&nbsp;A change in mood, such as increased anger or irritability.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Hopelessness§&nbsp;&nbsp;Feelings of being trapped and unable to get out of what someone is going through.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Change in personal care or daily activities§&nbsp;&nbsp;A change in someone’s daily habits, such as wanting to sleep all day.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Change in personality§&nbsp;&nbsp;Someone seems joyless or unable to experience life as usual.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We’re also advising Nebraskans to practice these strategies to prioritize mental health:o&nbsp;&nbsp;Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. &nbsp;Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Have fun and be creative with activities.&nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp;Take care of your body.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.§&nbsp;&nbsp;Avoid overeating, alcohol, and drugs.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Make time to unwind. &nbsp;Make time for the activities you enjoy.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Keep a regular schedule to lessen worry and anxiety.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Connect with others. &nbsp;Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Stay connected through video calls with loved ones and friends.o&nbsp;&nbsp;Participate in virtual faith-based communities or other groups that may be supportive to your well-being.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You are not alone. &nbsp;Help is available.&nbsp; Nebraska has behavioral health providers that are ready to serve you. &nbsp;o&nbsp;&nbsp;To find one near you, visit the Network of Care page by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fportal.networkofcare.org%2FSites%2FNebraska%3Fstate%3Dnebraska&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cee6d0b7ffe194b3ab31708d7fd0e2278%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637256109472095184&amp;sdata=MeqV7Ie4ghtZaeU2nUByw6Sv0iU0pSL6cHCDI3Wl8J8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There are also a number of hotlines that stand ready to help.o&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nebraska Family Helpline: 1-888-866-8660o&nbsp;&nbsp;SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990o&nbsp;&nbsp;The Nebraska Rural Response Hotline: 1-800-464-0258o&nbsp;&nbsp;The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.Full video of today’s press briefing will is available by&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fs%2Fs1h4qt345gya5yk%2FPress%2520Conf%25205.20.2020.mp4%3Fdl%3D0&amp;data=02%7C01%7Ccio.webmstr%40nebraska.gov%7Cee6d0b7ffe194b3ab31708d7fd0e2278%7C043207dfe6894bf6902001038f11f0b1%7C0%7C0%7C637256109472100170&amp;sdata=qsEtP%2BiCXA5Psbnn8H%2FUOPXKOQzzIu898dZFjoM%2B06Y%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.

Gov. Ricketts announces upcoming Test Nebraska sites, designates May 'Mental Health Awareness Month'