Becker’s Healthcare Podcast How Children’s Nebraska is Advancing Pediatric Mental Health Through Caring Contacts
Jul 18, 2025
Sabrina Schalley, Director of Behavioral Health Integration at Children's Nebraska, brings 30 years of expertise in mental health to the table. She discusses the innovative Caring Contacts program, which uses handwritten cards to uplift over 1,200 young patients, achieving zero deaths by suicide. Schalley shares the emotional power of these notes and the positive impact on both patients and social workers. Additionally, she previews the upcoming Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, set to expand these crucial services in 2026, further enhancing pediatric mental healthcare.
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Caring Contacts Origin Story
- Caring Contacts originated from a personal experience watching a football game and reading a magazine article in 2019.
- Sabrina Schalley initiated the program to support overwhelmed social workers and pediatric patients at Children's Nebraska.
Impact Beyond Expectations
- The program enrolled nearly 1,200 patients over five years with zero suicides.
- Unexpectedly, patients and families responded emotionally, writing back and sharing the impact of the handwritten cards.
Adopt Caring Contacts Thoughtfully
- When adopting Caring Contacts, ensure compliance with HIPAA and obtain guardian permission for sending cards.
- Maintain handwritten notes to preserve personal connection, as they yield strong positive outcomes with decreased return visits.