By Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
LINCOLN, Neb. – Volunteer motorcyclists will travel over 1,000 miles across Nebraska, collecting letters written by youth and raising awareness about children’s mental health. The ride will start on Wed., May 13, in Scottsbluff and finish on Sat., May 16, on the North steps of the Nebraska State Capitol, where the riders will deliver these letters to Dr. Thomas Janousek, Division of Behavioral Health Director within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
During the ride, volunteer riders will reenact the mail-delivery service of the historic Pony Express by collecting letters written by youth, their families, and other supporters about the importance of children’s mental health, their personal experiences, and their journey with mental health.
The tradition of the Pony Express Ride is centered on mental health being fundamental to overall health for individuals of all ages. This year’s theme is “My Story is My Superpower.” Riders, youth, behavioral health regions, family members, and other key stakeholders recognize the importance of the story every young person carries. Youth and families are encouraged to share their experiences as sharing with and listening to one another fosters connections, breaks stigma, and builds communities centered on strength, resilience, and hope.
“Early intervention and prevention in a child’s life sets a sturdy foundation for positive mental health in adulthood,” said Dr. Janousek. “These riders are exemplary advocates and their dedication to riding over 1,000 miles across Nebraska is a testament to youth and individuals of all ages across the state they are not alone in their mental health journey. Many of these riders have been doing this consistently for the past 19 years. Listening with compassion to someone experiencing a mental health challenge can have a long-lasting impact and be as simple as calling to remind them their story is their superpower.”
Nebraskans can join the ride anywhere along the way and travel for any distance desired. All modes of transportation are welcome.
Community members can drop letters off at an location the riders stop at or email letters to dhhs.dbhoca@nebraska.gov. Please email letters by noon on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Letter template can be found on the DHHS website
Stops to pick up letters include:
Wednesday, May 13:
- Start at the Cirrus House in Scottsbluff.
Thursday, May 14:
- Sidney
- Ogallala
- North Platte
- Gothenburg
- Kearney
Friday, May 15:
- Grand Island
- York
- Columbus
- Norfolk
- Wayne
- Fremont
Saturday, May 16:
- Omaha
- Pre-Rally at Lincoln Frontier Harley Davidson
Saturday, May 16: Pony Express Ride Rally at the Capitol
- Noon - 1:30 p.m.: Arrive at north steps of the Nebraska State Capitol Building and deliver letters to Dr. Janousek. There will be activities for youth and their family members, booths and more as part of the celebration.
If you or a loved one need assistance, please reach out to:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org
- Same Day Scheduling and Walk-In Access services: dhhs.ne.gov/SameDay
- Nebraska Family Helpline: (888) 866-8660
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (oprime dos para Español) or text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Rural Response Hotline: (800) 464-0258
- Your licensed healthcare professional, mental health provider, or student health center on campus.