SHDHD calls for COVID funds for community health initiatives

By Paul J. Prim Last updated May 25, 2022

ROSELAND, Neb. (KSNB) – The South Heartland District Health Unit has long served Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster counties.

SHDHD requested a small portion of ARPA funds from communities (3.7%) to support local community health initiatives. They want to expand behavioral health services and develop a mobile public health service unit.

On Tuesday, SHDHD was able to test its mobile services at Roseland.

There was a mini health fair for seniors that included fall prevention screening, COVID testing, COVID vaccines, information about West Nile, blood pressure checks, referrals to community prevention/management programs and more.

“We decided to test our ideas of having a mobile services clinic and we don’t have the vehicle yet because we don’t have all of these funds, but just testing what it would be like to come to a small community and bring services,” said Michele Bever, executive director of health for the South Heartland District. “See what they wanted, see how we could meet their needs and bring things to them.

Although Tuesday was aimed at seniors, Bever said future efforts will reach any population that struggles to access district resources.