Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Summary Episode: How Children’s Nebraska is Advancing Pediatric Mental Health Through Caring Contacts
Release Date: July 18, 2025

In this insightful episode of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, host Mariah Muhammad engages in a profound discussion with Renee Rafferty, Senior Vice President of Behavioral Health and Wellness, and Sabrina Shally, Director of Behavioral Health Integration and Program Coordinator at Children's Nebraska. The conversation delves into Children's Nebraska’s innovative approach to pediatric mental health through the implementation of Caring Contacts, a program traditionally utilized in adult behavioral health settings.

Introduction

Mariah Muhammad opens the episode by introducing Renee Rafferty and Sabrina Shally, highlighting their extensive backgrounds and roles within Children's Nebraska. Renee brings over 20 years of leadership experience in behavioral health, while Sabrina boasts three decades as a licensed clinical social worker, passionately working with children and families to prevent suicide.

Quotes:

• "I'm very excited to talk." – Renee Rafferty [00:24]
• "I have also really been excited to lead Children Nebraska's efforts for suicide prevention in hopes that we can accomplish zero suicides." – Sabrina Shally [00:47]

Origins of the Caring Contacts Program

Sabrina Shally shares the genesis of the Caring Contacts initiative. Her inspiration stemmed from a 2019 Time magazine article about handwritten note cards used in adult substance use recovery. Recognizing the potential impact, Sabrina proposed adapting this approach for pediatric mental health to support children experiencing suicidal ideation or behaviors.

Key Points:

• Initial inspiration from adult-focused interventions.
• Recognition of increasing demand for mental health services among children.
• Decision to implement Caring Contacts despite the impending COVID-19 pandemic.

Quotes:

• "The magic of that personal touch… must feel to the patient." – Sabrina Shally [01:49]
• "We just celebrated five years. We have enrolled nearly 1,200 patients into the program. And the best news of all is we have zero deaths by suicide in our patient population in this space." – Sabrina Shally [05:08]

Implementation and Launch

The program was officially launched on May 1, 2020, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite uncertainties, the team successfully developed and rolled out the program within six months, emphasizing the importance of handwritten notes in maintaining a personal connection with patients.

Key Points:

• Rapid development and deployment despite the pandemic.
• Emphasis on personal, handwritten communication.
• Initial goals focused on reducing repeat suicide ideation, preventing suicides, and normalizing mental health care.

Quotes:

• "We had no idea what coming in March of 2020. We had set a go live date of May 1, 2020." – Sabrina Shally [05:08]
• "The cards are written really carefully so that they speak to that component." – Sabrina Shally [05:22]

Outcomes and Impact

Five years into the program, Children's Nebraska celebrates significant achievements, including nearly 1,200 patient enrollments and zero suicide-related deaths within the program. Sabrina highlights unexpected positive outcomes, such as increased communication from patients and families, enhanced retention rates among social workers, and broad adoption of the model by other institutions.

Key Points:

• Dramatic reduction in suicide rates among enrolled patients.
• Positive feedback and emotional responses from patients and families.
• Stabilization and empowerment of the social work team.
• Replication of the program across over 70 healthcare institutions nationwide.

Quotes:

• "This is someone who wrote back after all six cards had been sent for that first year… history." – Sabrina Shally [12:19]
• "We have zero deaths by suicide." – Sabrina Shally [05:08]

Scaling and Adoption Across Institutions

The success of the Caring Contacts program has led to its adoption by more than 70 healthcare systems. The replication process involves addressing compliance issues, securing guardian permissions, and ensuring high enrollment rates. Children's Nebraska has provided a replication kit to facilitate the implementation of the program in various settings, including hospitals and schools.

Key Points:

• High acceptance rate with 90-98% patient enrollment.
• Challenges in replicating the handwritten aspect in other institutions.
• Continued advocacy for the program based on its proven effectiveness.

Quotes:

• "We have a 90%, 98% of our patients that we offer this program to choose to enroll." – Sabrina Shally [09:07]
• "We need to ensure that the patient expects that these cards are coming." – Sabrina Shally [09:07]

Maintaining Personal Connection

Renee Rafferty emphasizes the enduring significance of handwritten notes in fostering connections and conveying hope to patients. Despite the program's growth, maintaining the personal and meaningful nature of the communications remains a priority. The emotional testimonials from patients underscore the program's profound impact on their healing journeys.

Key Points:

• Personal connections through handwritten notes enhance healing.
• Sharing patient feedback reinforces the program’s effectiveness.
• The program empowers both patients and the social work team.

Quotes:

• "These cards themselves are really a testament to the importance of connection." – Renee Rafferty [11:01]
• "I'll have Sabrina read a card to you of what is said because I think that just is is that one card from a child touches hundreds of caregivers." – Renee Rafferty [11:01]

Future Directions and Expansion

Looking ahead, Children's Nebraska plans to expand the Caring Contacts model beyond behavioral health, integrating it into various areas of pediatric care. Additionally, the organization is set to inaugurate a comprehensive Behavioral Health and Wellness Center in January 2026, offering a full continuum of behavioral health services aimed at destigmatizing mental health care and providing seamless transitions for patients.

Key Points:

• Expansion of Caring Contacts to additional care areas.
• Establishment of a Behavioral Health and Wellness Center.
• Introduction of new services including mental health urgent care, crisis stabilization, partial hospitalization, and an eating disorder program.

Quotes:

• "We are training within Children's Nebraska… ability to trust their own inner wisdom and work with the person that's share their story." – Renee Rafferty [13:50]
• "In January of 2026, we will be opening a behavioral health and wellness center..." – Renee Rafferty [16:41]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt gratitude from Mariah Muhammad to Renee Rafferty and Sabrina Shally for their dedication and innovative work in pediatric mental health. The discussion underscores the transformative power of personalized care and the significant strides Children's Nebraska is making toward achieving zero suicides and enhancing the overall well-being of children and families.

Final Thoughts:

• The Caring Contacts program exemplifies how simple, thoughtful interventions can lead to substantial positive outcomes.
• Continued innovation and expansion are pivotal in addressing the evolving needs of pediatric mental health care.
• The collaborative efforts of dedicated professionals like Renee and Sabrina are instrumental in driving meaningful change within the healthcare system.

This episode offers a compelling look into how Children's Nebraska is revolutionizing pediatric mental health care through Caring Contacts, setting a benchmark for other institutions to follow. The combination of compassionate care, innovative strategies, and unwavering commitment to patient well-being highlights the profound impact that dedicated healthcare professionals can have on their communities.