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Gov. Ricketts Highlights Efforts to Enhance Well being Outcomes for Underserved Communities in Nebraska
From left to proper: Mike Hornacek, Dr. Maureen Tierney, Gov. Ricketts,
Ashley Aubry, Jeff Stafford, and Kevin Bagley.
LINCOLN – As we speak, Governor Pete Ricketts held a press convention to focus on initiatives and organizations working to enhance well being outcomes for underserved communities in Nebraska.
The Governor was joined by Kevin Bagley, Director of the Division of Medicaid and Lengthy-Time period Care on the Nebraska Division of Well being and Human Providers (DHHS), in addition to Jeff Stafford, Chief Govt Officer of UnitedHealthcare Neighborhood Plan of Nebraska. Extra members included Dr. Maureen Tierney, Affiliate Dean and Chair of Medical Analysis & Public Well being for Creighton College; Mike Hornacek, Chief Govt Officer of Collectively; and Ashley Aubry, Public Well being Hygienist for Creighton College College of Dentistry Wholesome Smiles Program.
Through the press convention, Governor Ricketts mentioned the significance of focusing on Medicaid {dollars} to successfully deal with the well being wants of underserved communities.
“We all know there are numerous elements that may impression a person’s well being,” mentioned Governor Ricketts. “On the State, we’re working with our Medicaid well being plans to handle the situations that contribute to well being outcomes. This contains supporting work just like the pediatric dentistry completed by Wholesome Smiles and diet applications supplied by Collectively. Thanks to our group companions, together with UnitedHealthcare, for collaborating with us on this endeavor.”
Through the occasion, UnitedHealthcare Neighborhood Plan of Nebraska introduced a $5.4 million multi-year funding within the Creighton College Neighborhood Collaborative Program. The funding, authorized in collaboration with the Division of Medicaid and Lengthy-Time period Care, will present funding to community-based organizations in North and South Omaha to handle the social determinants of well being which have the most important impression in these communities.
“We need to assist strengthen the infrastructure of key community-based organizations,” mentioned Jeff Stafford, CEO of the UnitedHealthcare Neighborhood Plan of Nebraska. “Our mission is to serve the wants of Nebraskans by modern applications and group investments that cut back disparities and enhance entry to high-quality care.”
A wide range of elements can have an effect on a person’s well being, together with the situations wherein individuals stay and work. By figuring out and addressing the underlying well being wants in underserved communities, Nebraska Medicaid is ready to contribute to higher well being outcomes.
“The Medicaid program has a possibility so as to add large worth for our communities,” mentioned Director Bagley. “These and related investments by our well being plans assist us establish and deal with the wants of Nebraskans in modern methods. We’re grateful for companions dedicated to our mission of serving to individuals stay higher lives.”
Through the press convention, Governor Ricketts additionally supplied an summary of his commerce mission to Japan. Extra data on the commerce mission may be discovered right here.
Video from immediately’s press convention is obtainable by clicking right here.