Nebraska Rural Health Association

03/11/2026

Be sure to check out all of our upcoming SHIP Regional Training sessions, coordinated through the Nebraska Rural Health Association in partnership with Nebraska Office of Rural Health.

These sessions are offered at no cost to participating hospitals through the SHIP program and are designed to provide practical, operationally focused education for Nebraska’s rural healthcare facilities.

Starting this week through May 7th!

Register today: https://loom.ly/o2nwbQo

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03/05/2026

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is now the deadliest cancer in people under 50, but it is highly preventable through regular screening. Most people should start regular screening at age 45. When caught early, the survival rate is over 90%.

If you're 45 or older or have a family history, don't wait for symptoms. Talk to your doctor about getting scheduled today.

02/25/2026

A healthy smile is about more than just teeth. It’s an important part of overall wellness. Research shows that poor oral health is linked to serious systemic issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

By prioritizing early check-ups and daily habits today, we reduce the risk of chronic illness and emergency room visits tomorrow.

02/18/2026

According to the American Cancer Society, in the United States for 2026, 44% of the estimated 626,000 cancer deaths can potentially be prevented because they are attributable to modifiable cancer risk factors. Cancer screening tests can also help prevent thousands of additional cancer deaths.

National Cancer Prevention Month serves as reminder for us to take charge of our health by prioritizing screenings and making small, intentional changes to reduce risk.

02/11/2026

Becker's Hospital Review released its 2025 list of critical access hospital presidents and CEOs to know and Nebraska was heavily represented.

Congratulations to Marty Fattig of Nemaha County Hospital, Laura Gamble of Pender Community Hospital, Timothy Gullingsrud of Ogallala Community Hospital, Arlan Johnson of Howard County Medical Center, Ryan Larsen with Community Medical Center, Roger Reamer of Memorial Health Care Systems, Treg Vyzourek of Brodstone Healthcare, Manny Banner of Memorial Community Hospital & Health System Blair, NE, and Mark Harrel of Phelps Memorial Health Center.

Learn more: https://loom.ly/4x9HZ2E

02/04/2026

Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death in Nebraska and the United States as a whole? This February, the Nebraska Rural Health Association is joining efforts around the country to promote heart health in our communities.

01/06/2026

NeRHA Executive Director Jed Hansen was honored to give the keynote address at the University of Nebraska Medical Center - UNMC Graduate Studies Convocation last month.

"You did hard things when you were tired. When you were unsure. When you were learning," said Hansen. "And now you’re about to do hard things at the next stage—where the stakes are higher, but so is the meaning. You’re going to do hard things for patients who are scared. For families who are grieving. For communities who are underserved. For systems that need reform. For science that needs integrity. For the future that needs courage."

From cancer research to public health, these graduates are moving on to serve their communities with pride.

Congratulations from the Nebraska Rual Health Association!

01/01/2026

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year from the Nebraska Rural Health Association!

12/22/2025

We are grateful for the dedicated healthcare professionals, administrators, and advocates who work tirelessly to keep our rural communities healthy and strong. You are the heart of Nebraska.

Wishing you and your family a season filled with joy and good health. Happy Holidays from all of us at the Nebraska Rural Health Association!

12/17/2025

Across Nebraska’s small towns and wide-open landscapes, EMTs and first responders cover enormous distances to reach people who may live miles from their nearest neighbor.

From training more volunteers to rethinking how emergency response works across county lines, this video tells the story of how responders are organizing to ensure help is on the way in every rural community.

12/05/2025

The Nebraska Rural Health Association is concerned about the implications of changes to nursing degree classifications.

“Rural Nebraska depends heavily on nurses with advanced degrees for primary care services, emergency rooms, and rural surgery," said NeRHA Executive Director Jed Hansen. "Removing nurses as a professional degree and limiting access to federal loans will negatively impact care for Greater Nebraska.”

Learn more from 6 News WOWT: https://loom.ly/-mrIXW8

The federal loan cap changes are scheduled to take effect in July 2026.

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from the Nebraska Rural Health Association! We are thankful for the dedicated hospital staff throughout the state who work tirelessly to keep our communities healthy.