Lincoln Wellness Pillars Reach Libraries

Nebraska.tv reports Lincoln's emotional wellness program expands into public libraries.

According to KHGI's Nebraska.tv, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has teamed up with Lincoln City Libraries to make emotional wellness resources more accessible to families. Nebraska.tv reports that the 6 Pillars for Emotional Wellbeing video series launched in July 2025 and was developed through the 2022 Community Health Improvement Plan, which identified youth behavioral health as a priority. Libraries are now highlighting the pillars through book displays and recommended reading, making it easier for patrons to find materials on sleep, physical activity, and other wellness topics.

Nebraska.tv reports that the program centers on six pillars: sleep, physical activity, nutrition and hydration, relational connectedness, mastery, and quieting. Each pillar has a dedicated video featuring local and national health experts, community partners, and parents. Kerry Kernen, associated with the program, told the outlet that the pillars are "foundational to emotional wellness" and beneficial not just for adolescents but for all community members. The videos address healthy sleep habits, the connection between movement and emotional health, proper nutrition and hydration, building strong relationships, learning and developing skills, and ways to pause and reset.

According to Nebraska.tv, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department partnered with Bryan Health, CHI Health St. Elizabeth, and other community partners to create the video series. The collaboration with libraries emerged from a work group idea to reach more people through the library system's existing foot traffic. Ali Bousquet of Lincoln City Libraries told the outlet that Lincoln City is a place where people seek information, making the partnership a natural fit.

Nebraska.tv reports that all six videos and additional resources are available through the City of Lincoln's 6 Pillars for Emotional Wellbeing webpage and MyHealthyMind.com. In Colonie, NEWS10 ABC reports that families can pre-register online through MVP Health Care's website for the September 1 event, where children can receive a free backpack, a basic haircut from Paul Mitchell Salon and Spa, a healthy snack, and other back-to-school items. Dr. Elizabeth Warner, Chief Transformation Officer at MVP Health Care, told the outlet that a child's ability to learn is closely connected to their overall health and well-being, emphasizing preventive care and healthy routines.