Nebraska Healthcare News

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. 

Columbus Community Hospital is proud to recognize Bethany Gifford, RN, MSN, as its second quarter Service Over Self Award recipient for 2026.

Great Plains Health and Unitek Learning have announced a new partnership focused on expanding access to nursing education and strengthening the long-term healthcare workforce across central and western Nebraska.

The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center will reach a major milestone Saturday as a state-of-the-art proton beam therapy system is scheduled to arrive on campus. It’s the first proton beam system in Nebraska, marking a significant step forward in bringing advanced cancer treatment to the state and region.

The Interventional Cardiology team at Nebraska Medicine performed the first Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) in Nebraska, avoiding the need for open-heart surgery. The new device (FDA approved in December 2025), allows for the minimally invasive procedure to be an alternative to a much higher risk surgery. All of this is done via a catheter inserted into a small incision in the groin. 

CHI Health St. Francis introduced an extra layer of patient care today. The initiative further strengthens the hospital’s standing as a Magnet with Distinction organization, an international benchmark for providing the highest and most elite nursing excellence and safety.

Diplomas and certificates were conferred on more than 1,000 University of Nebraska Medical Center students during ceremonies held May 7 in Lincoln, Norfolk and Kearney and May 9 in Omaha and Scottsbluff.

Pender Community Hospital is proud to announce a new name: Pender Community Health.

If you suffer from sleep apnea and have had difficulties with traditional treatments, there’s another option.

Lexington Regional Health Center (LRHC) has been selected by Modern  Healthcare as one of the 2026 Best Places to Work in Healthcare, a national recognition  honoring organizations that excel in creating outstanding workplace environments and  supporting their teams. 

May is recognized as National Foster Care Month. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is celebrating the dedicated foster parents and foster homes who provide safe, stable, and supportive environments for children and youth across Nebraska.

In celebration of National Cancer Survivors Day, we invite the community to a free drive-thru breakfast, Friday, June 5th 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM at six convenient locations.

Lexington Regional Health Center (LRHC) is pleased to announce plans to bring  healthcare back to Elm Creek, Nebraska, expanding access to primary care services for the Elm Creek community and surrounding areas. This will be LRHC’s third satellite clinic, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to meeting patients where they are. This project was made possible through the support and partnership of the Village of Elm Creek, whose commitment to the community helped bring this vision to life. 

Unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) are increasingly detected due to the widespread use of high-resolution CT angiography and MRI. Most patients are asymptomatic at diagnosis, and the central clinical challenge is…

Columbus Dermatology Clinic now offers esthetician services, and it’s inviting the public to learn more at an open house.

UNMC’s Roslyn Mannon, MD, professor of internal medicine, has received the Excellence in Kidney Transplantation Award from the National Kidney Foundation, a major award in the transplant and nephrology community that recognizes Dr. Mannon’s achievements throughout the course of her career. 

The winning ticket for CHI Health St. Francis Foundation’s ninth annual Ticket to Win fundraising raffle will be announced Thursday, June 4 at the hospital. The community is invited to join the free social festivities starting at 4:30 p.m. with official prize drawings starting at 6:30 p.m. The social event is limited to adults only. 

CHI Health Good Samaritan Foundation recently awarded $18,750 in scholarships to 20 area students working towards careers in health care.