Praising ‘an incredible national asset’

Rick Sacra, M.D., said it felt “a little weird” to return to the room where he’d spent three weeks in the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit.

What didn’t feel weird? Seeing the Biocontainment Unit’s staff again.

“You saved my life,” Dr. Sacra told members of the unit’s staff Friday afternoon. “I will never forget you, and I pray God’s blessings upon you.”

To see the video shown at the anniversary event, click here.

Dr. Sacra and his wife, Debbie, returned to Nebraska for the first time since he was released from the unit, Ebola-free, in September. They came back to take part in the 10th anniversary celebration of the unit — an event UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., called “a historic day for our campus” — and to thank the nurses, physicians, respiratory techs and others who helped save Dr. Sacra’s life.

Rick Sacra, M.D., reconnects with members of the Biocontainment Unit staff Friday.

They weren’t alone. During the anniversary celebration held Friday, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Nicole Lurie, M.D., Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts, Rep. Brad Ashford, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and others also took the stage to congratulate and thank the staff of the Biocontainment Unit.

To see a photo album from the event, click here.

“You really make all of us here in Nebraska proud,” said Gov. Ricketts, adding that the spirit of Nebraska was exemplified by the work of everyone who made the Biocontainment Unit possible.

Speaking to the unit’s staff, Rep. Ashford said, “It really is a tremendous honor to be representing you.”

Dr. Lurie said the Biocontainment Unit is “an incredible national asset that contributes to our national preparedness.” In future times of national emergency, “this unit is one of the few that stands really ready to rise to the effort.”

Celebration attendees sign a “Thank You” banner for the Biocontainment Unit staff.

“I wanted to take the opportunity to come to Nebraska to thank all of you in person for stepping up in this time of national need,” she said. “There are not many times I can honestly say ‘I can count on one hand the number of places that do X,Y or Z’ — in this case, it doesn’t even take five fingers.”

Dr. Lurie also joined Dr. Gold in thanking the families of the Biocontainment Unit’s staff, calling them “unsung heroes.”

“It’s been impressive to see this whole community rise to the occasion,” she said.

And Debbie Sacra got one more dose of “Nebraska nice” during the visit.

“Even when I got my coffee this morning, I was reminded how nice people are in Nebraska,” Debbie Sacra said. “It’s really a pleasure to be back here.”