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This article was originally published in the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer on June 16, 2025. Click here to view.
Three regional health organizations announced Monday that they are collaborating in an effort to address mental health challenges within western Kentucky.
RiverValley Behavioral Health, Owensboro Health and the Green River District Health Department have partnered to form the Green River Regional Mental Health Collaborative.
According to the announcement, organizational leaders from each entity meet monthly to assess community needs, share updates, identify service gaps, and align efforts to ensure individuals and families, particularly in rural and underserved areas, can access the mental health resources they need.
“Mental health is not separate from physical health; it is fundamental to it. We can’t expect to improve our community’s health without prioritizing mental well-being,” said Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta, RVBH president and CEO. “When we address mental health, we are also addressing chronic disease, substance use, maternal health and countless other health outcomes that are interconnected. This Collaborative allows us to tackle these issues more effectively together. By breaking down silos and addressing mental health as a vital part of community health, we are working toward a healthier, more resilient region.”
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), while the need for mental health services is great, many do not seek the help they need due to stigma, lack of awareness, believing their symptoms are not serious enough, financial barriers, and lack of accessibility.
According to the release, the challenges are even more pronounced in rural communities, where limited access to care, provider shortages, and persistent stigma create significant barriers to treatment. NAMI also reports that more than 3 million Kentuckians live in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals, highlighting the critical need for expanded resources and support across the state.
The release said RiverValley Behavioral Health and Owensboro Health have partnered for three years to provide CredibleMind, a free population level mental health and wellness platform.
According to CredibleMind, “prioritizing mental and emotional wellbeing is essential in navigating the complexities of modern life.”
Now, the Green River Regional Mental Health Collaborative is working to raise awareness of CredibleMind and all available mental health resources, including the 988 Crisis Lifeline, to reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking behaviors throughout the region.
The collaborative also aims to improve access to care and promote education through HealthyMindKY.org — a new digital hub that connects the community to vital, 24/7 mental health tools such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and CredibleMind, both offering free, professional support.
“Owensboro Health recognizes the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing as a part of one’s overall health. Forming this Collaborative was an objective under the OH Strategic Imperative, Partnering with Our Communities and with RiverValley’s leadership, alongside the Green River District Health department, we are working together to impact mental health in the communities we serve- every individual, every family, every organization, one person at a time,” said Debbie Zuerner, Owensboro Health director of community engagement.
To launch the new strategy, the group has introduced a public awareness campaign aimed at encouraging individuals to take proactive steps toward their mental well-being. The campaign emphasizes that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and works to normalize conversations around mental health. Its messaging highlights the vital link between mental health and overall wellness, aiming to resonate broadly and reduce stigma across all communities.
More information about the campaign, including a public toolkit and where to get free mental health awareness promotional materials can be found on the collaborative’s new landing page, healthymindsky.org.
“We are honored to join forces with Owensboro Health and River Valley Behavioral Health in a unified effort to promote mental health awareness and well-being within our community. Through this partnership, we aim to amplify the conversation around mental health, reduce stigma, and ensure that individuals have access to the support and resources they need,” said Clayton Horton, public health director, Green River District Health Department.
Published on June 19, 2025