More than three dozen leaders from South Omaha and UNMC recently gathered to report progress on collaborations and share ideas for continuing to serve community members.
“We’ve made good progress in addressing some of the gaps in ensuring the health of what has historically been an underserved community,” UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, said. “But it’s a continual process, and no single group or organization can move the needle alone. That’s why it’s so important to collaborate on initiatives that truly matter.”
The Latino Center of the Midlands hosted the Oct. 14 gathering. Albert Varas, CEO of the Latino Center, said conversations with UNMC officials provide an opportunity to learn about the latest developments at the med center and share stories about the people who are served by the Latino Center.
“Although we face complex challenges, we are grateful to UNMC to offer invaluable resources,” Varas said. “We appreciate the dedication of its leaders and health experts in supporting our community.”
Varas is one of several UNMC Board of Counselors members who attended the gathering. He is on the executive/nominating committee of the board, which is an advisory body for Dr. Davies and consists of members from across the state. Other board members who attended were: Selene Espinoza, board member of the Douglas County Health Department; Cesar Garcia, executive director of Canopy South; Cesar Godinez, senior project manager with CBRE and board member at Latino Center of the Midlands; and Daniel Padilla, executive director of Lending Link. Former board member Emiliano Lerda, co-founder and CEO of Elevator, also attended.
In addition, several organizations were represented, including the Consulate of Guatemala, Generation Diamond, Heartland Workers Center, Youth Emergency Services, the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation and many others.
Attendees discussed a wide range of topics including: access to mental health services, student pipeline programs, community impact of changes in enforcement regarding immigrants, Spanish-speaking providers and support to aspiring health care professionals, among many others.
Dr. Davies said that among his highest priorities is translating UNMC’s award-winning uBEATS modules into Spanish, as well as offering a weeklong health professions camp this coming summer for middle-schoolers. The goal, ultimately, is to provide enough health care workers in all regions of the state, including underserved urban areas.
“We need to continue to cast a wide net to younger and younger students, ensuring that they have opportunities to pursue health careers, if that’s what they desire,” Dr. Davies said. “At the same time, we need to continue to make sure our educational programs are attainable for students who may have unconventional challenges, such as being the head of a household or needing to work while going to school.
“It’s only through working together and thinking outside the box that we will continue to have a broader impact on the health of our communities.”
I love this event and I love our South Omaha colleagues! Thank you Dr. Davies for your leadership on this, and thank you to our South Omaha leaders for their gracious collaboration.