Nebraska Rural Health Association

11/25/2025

It's Thanksgiving week, and many of our neighbors are struggling with food insecurity. There are resources available for anyone in need or for those looking to help others. Together, we can make a difference and ensure everyone enjoys a warm meal this holiday.

Visit Food Bank for the Heartland to find resources near you: https://loom.ly/5d-KnGU

11/21/2025

A new report from The Commonwealth Fund warns the country may lose nearly 30% of its rural primary care providers by 2037. A shortage like that could hit states like Nebraska hard.

“At the end of the day, we need as many trained physicians across the state, and we especially need them in rural Nebraska,” said Jed Hansen, Executive Director of the Nebraska Rural Health Association.

The report pointed to burnout, aging providers and financial strain on small hospitals and clinics as major drivers of the growing shortage. Hansen said rural hospitals are doing everything they can, but they’re being stretched thin. Hansen says this is no longer a future problem, it’s a right-now problem. Despite the report, Hansen said he’s hopeful Nebraska could continue to lean on resources and Nebraskans can continue to lean on each other.

“While we do have those shortages, we’ve got an awful lot of good people out there,” he said. “There are a lot of entities that are working together and finding solutions to make sure that we do have the next generation of doctors, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists to take care of everyone in Nebraska.”

Learn more: https://loom.ly/X2At7XA

The report pointed to burnout, aging providers and financial strain on small hospitals and clinics as major drivers of the growing shortage.

11/20/2025

Specialty care can be lifesaving, and Chadron Community Hospital is making sure patients have access to essential dialysis services.

Without this service, rural patients would be forced to travel long distances multiple times a week to receive care. Every community deserves access to local, high-quality care.

This is how Chadron Hospital is delivering care where it’s needed most.

Thank you to our sponsors Critical Marketing, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Office of Rural Health, and the Nebraska Hospital Association for helping us tell this story.

11/20/2025

We’re excited to celebrate with NOSORH and rural communities nationwide! Together, we’re amplifying the and highlighting the people, providers, and places that help rural America thrive.

11/19/2025

Congratulations to Lori Minert from Pender Community Hospital on being selected as Nebraska's 2025 rural Community Star! In celebration of National Rural Health Day, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health launched the annual Community Star Recognition Program to tell the stories of people and organizations making a difference in rural communities.

Lori has worked in rural healthcare for 32 years, and volunteers as both an EMT and a firefighter. Her work is deeply rooted in supporting access to quality care in rural communities and ensuring that their unique needs are met through comprehensive, community-based healthcare services.

"Our organization is deeply committed to being present and active in the communities we serve," Lori said. "These efforts reflect our mission to support the health and well-being of our rural populations, both
inside and outside the clinic walls."

11/12/2025

Be sure the read the latest issue of Greater Nebraskan Health. This issue is devoted to Veteran Care and to those who have worn the uniform. Veterans disproportionately live in rural communities, where neighbors know their names and service. Yet access to timely, comprehensive care can still be too far, too complex, or too delayed. On November 11, Veterans Day, we honor their commitment and sacrifice. In this issue, we focus on their health.

This edition highlights what is working, what needs to change, and how Nebraska can lead. Our compass is simple: care should meet Veterans where they are - clinically, geographically, and culturally. That means strengthening primary care and behavioral health close to home, smoothing referrals and transportation, and ensuring technology reduces distance rather than becoming another barrier.

Learn more: https://loom.ly/XaD2zdU

11/11/2025

On this Veterans Day, we recognize that veterans across America face unique and often overlooked health challenges - from limited access to care to the burden of navigating a complex system in isolation. In rural areas, these issues are only heightened. These are the voices we don’t hear often enough. This video shines a light on their experiences and the urgent need for change.

Whether you’re a health care professional, community leader, policymaker or everyday citizen, you have a role to play.

11/10/2025

Of Nebraska’s 115,000 veterans, only around 10% qualify for dental care through the VA. Yet access to dental care is one of the most requested needs from our veterans.

The Nebraska Veterans Mission of Mercy (VETMOM) has been doing incredible work providing free dental services to veterans, including exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions, and dentures. At this year's event, they were able to provide over $550,000 in dental care for veterans and their families.

VETMOM is a collaboration between the Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs, the Nebraska National Guard, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Office of Oral Health, the Nebraska Dental Foundation, the Nebraska Dental Association, Nebraska Dental Hygienists' Association, the UNMC College of Dentistry, and the Creighton University School of Dentistry.

Thank you for helping our vets receive the care they deserve.

11/09/2025

Today is the kickoff to Nurse Practitioner Week in Nebraska!

The Nebraska Rural Health Association is grateful for Nurse Practitioners across the state, including our very own NPs - Executive Director Jed Hansen and Director of Operations Carli Culjat. Thank you for all you do to improve healthcare access and quality across the state.

11/06/2025

This week, Governor Jim Pillen officially designated November 9-15 as Nurse Practitioner Week in Nebraska to recognize the important role Nurse Practitioners play in expanding access to high-quality care across the state.

Join us in recognizing the contributions of Nebraska's Nurse Practitioners during their dedicated week!

11/05/2025

The Nebraska Rural Health Association was honored to join the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services State Office of Rural Health, State Board of Health, and Governor Jim Pillen as he declared November 20th as Nebraska Rural Health Day, aligning with the national observance. This day honors the dedication and resilience of healthcare professionals, organizations, and communities working to meet the unique health needs of rural Nebraskans.

Join us in celebrating the Power of Rural on November 20th!

11/03/2025

No one should have to worry about where their next meal will come from. If you or someone you know is experiencing food scarcity in Nebraska, the Food Bank for the Heartland is a great resource.

Their team of experts is available to assist individuals in finding food, including those currently enrolled in SNAP, those with pending applications, or anyone in need of food assistance. Nebraska residents can call 1-855-444-5556 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents are also encouraged to call 2-1-1 for help with emergency housing, utility assistance, additional food resources, and more.

You can also use the interactive map found on their website to find local pantries, meal providers, and mobile pantries in your area: https://foodbankheartland.org/food-resources/find-food/