Nebraska Healthcare News

Columbus Community Hospital is reinforcing its commitment to rapid, high‑quality stroke care by reminding the community how critical it is to recognize stroke symptoms. When a stroke occurs, the brain loses oxygen every second, and fast action can significantly improve long‑term outcomes.

Great Plains Health has received six American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® achievement awards for demonstrating a commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke, helping save lives, support recovery and reduce hospital readmissions.

A paper published recently in the journal Psychiatric Services describes how Nebraska turned $25.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act pandemic relief funding into a coordinated behavioral health workforce initiative, and how the model is drawing attention from federal agencies and other states.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center has announced its spring 2026 dean’s list for students enrolled in nursing, dentistry, pharmacy and the allied health professions of medical imaging and therapeutic sciences program and medical laboratory science.  

Boys Town is pleased to announce the appointment of Deepak Madhavan, M.D., as Executive Vice President of Healthcare. Dr. Madhavan has served as Chief Medical Officer at Boys Town since 2021 and will oversee all Boys Town National Research Hospital operations.

CHI Health Good Samaritan and GO Physical Therapy are partnering to offer a free community health seminar focused on cancer prevention through exercise and nutrition. “Empower Yourself: Cancer Prevention” is scheduled for 5:30 pm on Monday, July 13 at the Kearney Public Library in the Niobrara Conference Room.

In July, Columbus Community Hospital will welcome Terrace Books for a one-day book fair. The fair will take place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday, July 20, in the Platte and Prairie rooms at the hospital.

CHI Health is redefining orthopedic care with the grand opening of the CHI Health Orthopedic Center at Lakeside. The nearly 50,000 square-foot center brings advanced diagnostics, surgical care, rehabilitation, specialty services, research and education together under one roof. Designed to support patients at every step of their journey — from diagnosis to recovery.

The Nebraska Board of Regents on Thursday unanimously approved the appointment of H. Dele Davies, MD, as the ninth chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Columbus Community Hospital is dedicated to strengthening community wellness in the Columbus area. We achieve this by demonstrating a deep commitment to our community’s well-being and providing state-of-the-art facilities.

Students can learn about potential careers during Columbus Community Hospital’s Beyond the Scrubs: Exploring a Universe of Healthcare Careers camp. The free one‑day event takes place Wednesday, July 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

A hospital stay can be disorienting for those living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Unfamiliar surroundings, changes in routine and new medications can intensify confusion, anxiety and agitation, creating undue distress for patients and their caregivers.

The Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Faruq Pradhan as Medical Director for Liver Transplant (Medicine) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, effective July 1, 2026.

Community Hospital is proud to recognize members of its Safety and Security Department for achieving professional certifications through the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS), demonstrating a strong commitment to safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

The Box Butte Health Foundation is excited to host its 9th Annual Golf Classic taking place on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, at Skyview Golf Course in Alliance, NE. The event will bring together golfers, community supporters, and healthcare advocates for a day on the links. The Golf Classic is not only a great day for golf, but supports a cause that hits close to home for everyone in our community!

Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) Laboratory has been awarded accreditation by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation (COLA), a leading national laboratory accreditor recognized for its rigorous, education-based approach to quality assurance and patient safety.

The Water, Climate and Health Program within the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health will conduct Rapid Need Assessments in West Central and Southwest Nebraska starting Monday, June 22, and ending on Friday, June 26.

After spending more than four weeks at the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, two former passengers from the MV Hondius have returned to their home states for continued monitoring under the jurisdiction of their local and state public health departments. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requested the individuals from the cruise ship associated with a Hantavirus remain at the NQU through Sunday, May 31. Ten of the former passengers have now left the unit. 

Children’s Nebraska is pleased to announce that Jose Mathew has accepted the role of vice president of Technology & Innovation, effective July 6, 2026, following a comprehensive national search.

Columbus Community Hospital recently received recognition from two of the  nation’s most prestigious healthcare advertising awards competitions. 

Many Americans live with painful hip or knee arthritis, making even simple daily activities a challenge. While joint replacement surgery is often highly effective at relieving pain and restoring mobility, the cost can put it out of reach for those without insurance.

Box Butte General Hospital (BBGH) is pleased to announce the appointment of Gabriel Behling, MHA, as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 4, 2026. Behling brings twenty years of leadership experience across the healthcare and energy sectors and a deep commitment to advancing rural healthcare access.

The 37th Annual Community Hospital Pro-Am Golf Tournament was held Friday, June 5 at Heritage Hills Golf Course, featuring a full slate of 27 teams and strong community participation.

A visit to the hospital is frightening for any child — but for one who is neurodivergent, it can be especially worrisome.

CHI Health St. Francis, in partnership with CHI Health Clinic: Nebraska Heart Institute, is offering a free community education session at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 25 in Conference Room 2/3 at the hospital. Dr. Erich Fruehling will present “The Fat Saga: Understanding Dietary Fats.” 

In late May, the Nebraska Institutional Development Award Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (NE-INBRE) program welcomed a new cohort of undergraduate students from across Nebraska as they embark on their summer research experience. 

Columbus Community Hospital is proud to recognize Frankie Rivero Vila, one of our dedicated interpreters, for his outstanding commitment to patient care and communication. Rivero Vila's professionalism, empathy and ability to connect with patients and providers have made him an important part of our hospital community.

Keagan Palmerfrom Phillips was the big winner of CHI Health St. Francis Foundation’s annual Ticket to Win raffle drawing on June 4. Palmer’s ticket was drawn for the $10,000 cash grand prize during the free social event held at the hospital. 

Mary Lanning Healthcare is pleased to announce the selection of Shanna Stofer, PharmD MHA, as President & CEO of the organization. She will begin her new position on July 13.