Statewide Minority Health Council
The Statewide Minority Health Council advises the DHHS Office of Health Disparities and Health Equity on issues affecting the health status of Nebraska's racial ethnic minorities, federally recognized tribes, refugees, and immigrants. Council members represent different geographical areas across the state, racial ethnic groups, professions, and health care interests. Meetings are held quarterly. The first meeting of the year is face-to-face, and the remainder are held through video link using Adobe Connect. If interested in being a member, submit a current resume to dhhs.minorityhealth@nebraska.gov.
State Health Improvement Plan
The Nebraska State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) is a collaboration of statewide partners promoting the health and well-being of Nebraskans as a whole, using statewide assessment to establish priorities, plan for action, and empower collective impact. The five priorities of SHIP are Health Equity, Integrated Health System, Utilization and Access, Depression and Suicide, and Obesity. The five co-launch partners are the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Nebraska Association of Local Health Directors, Nebraska Hospital Association, Public Health Association of Nebraska, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health.
The HDHE oversees the work of the Health Equity priority area. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "health disparities or inequities, are types of unfair health differences closely linked with social, economic, or environmental disadvantages that adversely affect groups of people." Nebraska experiences inequities among its population and seeks program, policy, systems and environmental changes to address these issues. Changing the frame from disparity to health equity and increasing the capacity of organizations to advance health equity is desired. The foundation includes data collection, coordinated delivery models, diversified workforce and leadership.
SHIP participation is open to the public. For information on how you can participate, contact Catherine Plumlee at (402) 471-0860 or catherine.plumlee@nebraska.gov.
CATCH Kids
HDHE partners with organizations to support healthy lifestyle and nutrition for children. CATCH stands for Coordinated Approach to Child Health. This evidenced-based program is designed to improve elementary school age children's health habits with a program focusing on nutrition education and physical activity. See the Training and Resource page for information and how to request material.