UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, Nebraska Medicine CEO Michael Ash, MD, and other medical center leaders attended a meeting with more than 50 leaders of the North Omaha community at a breakfast event held on April 8.
Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Jane Meza, PhD, UNMC College of Pharmacy Dean Donald Klepser, PharmD, UNMC College of Public Health Dean Ali S. Khan, MD, MPH, and UNMC College of Nursing Dean Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, also were among the leaders in attendance as the med center visitors fielded questions and spoke to community members about UNMC and Nebraska Medicine’s work in the North Omaha area.
Med center representatives joined community leaders to discuss ongoing and planned community engagement efforts, including outreach programs, mentorship, partnerships and events aimed at improving access to health care, education and wellness in the local community.
North Omaha leaders asked questions and were updated on the benefits and availability of genetic testing, as well as the importance and availability of cancer screening.
The group also held tabletop discussions, identifying the need for better support for children, families and communities, stronger outreach, more trusted partnerships and more measurable goals.
Sherie Thomas, a member of the chancellor’s Board of Counselors and Omaha Police Department deputy chief, called it “a great meeting.”
She said: “We learned a lot about the work and the impactful programs UNMC is doing in the community. One key takeaway for me is seeing how information can be better disseminated throughout the community so individuals are aware and can find ways to participate and partner.”
Dr. Davies thanked the members of the community for attending the breakfast event, and he spoke to the group’s suggestion that children need earlier exposure to health careers.
“It’s important for us to be present in the community for many reasons,” he said. “One of the things I think is most important is that every child, student and their family know that there is a path to a health care career for those who want one. We want to start engaging with young people early, and it’s important to get the community involved to light this path into the health care world for tomorrow’s health and medical professionals.”
This kind of connection is incredibly important. The care and attention being shown here truly matter; it speaks to a genuine commitment to showing up, listening, and building something meaningful alongside the community. When we invest in our local communities and create opportunities for young people to pursue health careers, we help build a future workforce rooted in understanding, trust, and service.
This aligns so closely with our broader pathway initiatives, creating access, nurturing potential, and walking alongside students as they grow into professionals who may one day return to serve the very communities that shaped them. It’s deeply encouraging to see this kind of intentional engagement.