University of Nebraska Medical Center
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Community Outreach and Engagement

Community Outreach and Engagement

The Community Outreach and Engagement team works alongside communities across Nebraska to ensure people have access to trusted information and resources that support healthier lives and stronger communities. 

Nebraska 2035 Cancer Pledge

Guided by the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center's mission to understand, prevent and treat cancer in Nebraska, the pledge brings Nebraskans together through education, research and community action to lessen the toll of cancer and strengthen the health of every community. We envision a Nebraska where cancer changes fewer lives and where every person has the tools and opportunities to thrive.

Five Ways We're Taking Action

Nebraska 2035 Cancer Pledge

Community

Catchment area map

Meet Our Team

Our team of staff and scientists is committed to reducing the burden of cancer in Nebraska by ensuring that research addresses the needs of the people we serve and improves health outcomes across our communities.

Discussion with delegates

Community Advisory Board

The Community Advisory Board (CAB) is a vital link between the cancer center and the communities it serves. Community leaders and stakeholders work with the COE team to guide cancer prevention, research and outreach while strengthening relationships with local organizations across Nebraska.

Discussion with community people

Community Scientists

Community Scientists and researchers work together to include community perspectives at every step of the research process. From topic identification to study design to interpreting findings and sharing results with the community. They make sure research studies focus on the needs of the people we serve.

Understanding the Communities We Serve 

The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center serves Nebraska, the 16th-largest state by land area and a diverse region with predominantly rural and frontier communities spanning more than 77,000 square miles across the heart of the Great Plains.  

Our reach extends across all 93 Nebraska counties, serving more than 2 million people. Nearly 80% of patients treated at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center live within this area. 

Learn more about the people we serve

Learn about cancer trends in your county: 

Cancer InFocus Data Dashboard

Interactive County Cancer Infographics 

Cancer Prevention and Screening

Many cancers can be found early or even prevented through timely screening and preventive care. The COE works to reduce the burden of cancer by helping communities stay informed about preventive actions and screening guidelines, and by supporting access to screening services across Nebraska.

Research

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Community-Engaged Research

Community-engaged research is a framework where research teams and community members, especially those who may benefit from or be affected by the research, work together in the research process. They design and conduct studies, analyze data, and disseminate findings.

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Participate in Research

Community participation in research helps ensure studies reflect the needs and priorities of the people they are designed to serve. By getting involved, community members contribute to research that improves health outcomes and supports stronger, healthier communities.

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Support for Researchers

The COE supports researchers in developing and conducting community-engaged research. Through the COE, researchers can access tools, guidance, and partnership opportunities to integrate community perspectives into their work.

Community Outreach Events

News and Updates

Cancer Community Connect e-Newsletter