Your Turn: Bert Nash committed to core values

In its nearly 70-year history, the Bert Nash Center has witnessed many changes and challenges. But one thing remains constant: our commitment to our core values of compassion, integrity and equity, on a foundation of hope.

Those values are at the very heart of what we do, and they always will be.

Seven therapists from the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) team submitted their resignations July 16. But it is business as usual at the center: We are focused on the welfare of our clients and the support of the Bert Nash staff.

While we are unable to talk publicly about any employees who are leaving because of confidentiality reasons, be assured we take this situation very seriously and are committed to providing a positive, supportive work environment for our staff. We are always open to change and how we can improve our system of care.

There’s no denying this transition period has been a challenging time for the center, its staff and those clients affected by the departure of those seven therapists. Sometimes staff find new career opportunities and leave our agency, and that creates loss for our clients. That has been the case throughout the center’s history. We recognize the loss this is creating for our clients and our community at large. DBT is one of 40 programs offered through Bert Nash, and the center remains committed to continuing and building the program and is in the process of hiring more therapists.

I am so proud of the 200 Bert Nash employees who work hard every day so that we can provide the best level of care possible for the approximately 5,000 people we serve every year. The center’s team-based approach to care includes working collaboratively with our community partners and outside providers. Bert Nash’s commitment to serving the behavioral and mental health needs of Douglas County will never change. Every day our focus is on the needs of our clients and what is best for the people we serve. At the same time, the well-being of the Bert Nash staff is always a priority.

As a longtime Bert Nash staff member told me last week, she is “proud to be part of a values-driven agency that lives its values.”

Compassion, integrity and equity, on a foundation of hope. Those are the values we live every day.

• Patrick Schmitz is the CEO of Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center.

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