Phelps Memorial Health Center was a sponsor of the Senior Send Off presentations presented by the Phelps County Safe Communities Coalition. The coalition held presentations for seniors in Loomis, Bertrand and Holdrege high schools.
“We want you to be successful in the next steps of your life,” said Keri Berry, Safe Communities Coalition Coordinator.
Mike Henry, Phelps County Attorney, spoke to seniors about laws and other things they need to understand as they graduate and move to the next stage of their lives including state laws regarding sexual assault, alcohol, marijuana, sexting, and child pornography (including photos on phones). He also stressed the importance of consent in relationships.
“Eighteen is an important age because as far as the law is concerned, when you turn 18 you are an adult and you will be treated like one by the courts,” he said.
He advised students to make smart decisions and that many crimes have consequences can follow them their entire life.
He said, “One of the most important things is to have good friends and surround yourself with good people.”
Eric Hesser, Sergeant with the Criminal Division of Investigative Services for the Nebraska State Patrol, talked to students about current drug trends, threats to their safety, and tips to be safe. He also discussed dangers associated with cell phones.
“We are seeing some scary things with marijuana such as marijuana being laced with other drugs,” he said.
He told students that fatal overdoses happen all the time and many times the people don’t know what they are taking.
Jill Schubauer, Region 3 Behavioral Health Services Youth Systems Specialist, talked to students about mental health and depression in college students. She discussed the signs and symptoms and when to seek help.
She said, “College is a big change and big change comes with some stress. Many people experience the first symptoms of depression during their college years and many aren’t getting the help they need.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24.
Mrs. Schubauer said, “Depression is lasts more than a couple weeks, it interferes with day-today activities.” She encouraged students to seek help if they ever have feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts and advised them resources. She also talked about being aware of friends who may be depressed.
Robin Phipps, Safe Communities Coalition, and George Scott, NE State Patrol, also spoke to students.
The Safe Communities Coalition has been conducting the Senior Send Off presentations in Phelps County since 2012.
