CSC part of new health center

The new center will be the third in the state, following those created in Grand Island to serve 28 counties central Nebraska in 2001 and in Norfolk to assist 22 counties in the northeast portion of the state in 2002.

A $1.13 million grant that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded to the University of Nebraska Medical Center will fund the new program.

Among other services, the health centers are designed to identify health care shortages in rural areas, encourage students to pursue careers in the health professions, connect medical students with training and jobs in rural areas and ensure that rural health care workers have access to continuing education.

Dr. Joyce Hardy, senior vice president for academic and student affairs at Chadron State, is the chair of the committee that was set up to establish and oversee the new center. She said western Nebraska has a strong need for the services. Early emphasis, she said, will be placed on recruiting students to enter the health care fields and expanding students’ awareness of the opportunities that are available to them.

Hardy said because of the many areas of expertise possessed by Chadron State faculty members, the college can assist with providing professional development opportunities, particularly in behavioral health.

Establishing mentorships to support young health care professionals in the region will be another important aspect of the center’s services, Hardy said.

The Panhandle center, to be located at Western Nebraska Community College, will have a three-person staff. Besides the 11 Panhandle counties, others involved are Arthur, Grant and Keith.