Governor Jim Pillen visited Revive Inc., a drug and alcohol treatment center in Hastings, Nebraska, where the facility’s president highlighted critical funding challenges facing behavioral health providers. Christine Kasperbauer, president of Revive Inc., walked the governor through the facility and emphasized that current reimbursement rates are insufficient to attract and retain nursing staff.
The treatment center, which opened in January 2025, is already operating at full capacity with a wait list of approximately 20 people. Kasperbauer stated that behavioral health reimbursement rates are too low to offer competitive salaries for nurses and called on Nebraska’s state legislature to increase funding. She noted that even a 3 percent increase in state funding would provide meaningful support. Additionally, Kasperbauer expressed plans to upgrade the facility with infrastructure improvements and new learning opportunities, with renovations projected to cost $1.6 million, including a kitchen project called The Old Garden Buffet.
Governor Pillen responded by discussing legislative efforts to address mental health challenges. He referenced the Rural Health Transformation bill, which allocates $218 million to be utilized across multiple fronts, with a key component focused on training healthcare providers and supporting mental health and rehabilitation services.
Current and former residents shared their experiences at the facility. Daniel Muir, one of the first residents, graduated from the program and is now employed as a restaurant manager. Resident Bobby Brown identified methamphetamine and marijuana as his addictions and expressed a goal to own a window company. Resident Chanda Schroyer credited the facility with transforming her life and stated she aspires to become a nurse.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.ksnblocal4.com/2026/03/06/gov-pillen-visits-hastings-treatment-center-president-calls-higher-behavioral-health-reimbursement-rates/