Nebraska Rural Health Association

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.

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.