Nebraska, the Cornhusker State, is named after its largest river, the Platte, which a local American Indian tribe called “Nebraska” meaning “flat water.” Nebraska is also home to three American Indian reservations. Nebraska covers 76,872 square miles, with a 2012 estimated population of 1,855,525 people – 755,021 living in rural Nebraska (USDA-ERS). Lincoln, the capital, is located in the south-eastern region of the state. The state’s largest cities are Lincoln, Omaha and Bellevue. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 90.1% of the state’s population is white, 4.7% is Black/African-American, 1.3% is American Indian & Alaska Native, 1.9% is Asian, and 9.5% is of Hispanic/Latino origin (2011).
There are 94 licensed general acute care hospitals in Nebraska (Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, 2012). The state has 65 hospitals identified by the Flex Monitoring Team as Critical Access Hospitals (March 2013). There are 137 Rural Health Clinics in Nebraska (Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, 2012), and 6 Federally Qualified Health Centers provide services at 27 sites in the state (Kaiser, 2010). Nebraska's not-for-profit hospitals and public health departments are connected to a telehealth backbone that uses T1 lines and cable lines for connectivity. Additional CRHC's will be added to the same network in the future. Most Nebraskans have some form of health insurance coverage, although 13.0% of its residents lack health insurance (Kaiser, 2011).
According to the USDA Economic Research Service, the average per-capita income for Nebraskans in 2011 was $42,449 although rural per-capita income lagged at $41,225. Estimates from 2011 indicate a poverty rate of 12.9% exists in rural Nebraska, compared to an 12.8% level in urban areas of the state. 2011 ACS data reports that 11.2% of the rural population has not completed high school, compared to 8.6% of urban populations. The unemployment rate in rural Nebraska is at 4.1%, while in urban Nebraska it is at 4.7% (USDA-ERS, 2011).
For a national comparison, please see an overview of the United States.
Data Sources
U.S. Census Bureau: State & County QuickFacts; USDA Economic Research Service: State Fact Sheets; Kaiser Family Foundation State Health Facts; Flex Monitoring Team: Critical Access Hospital List; Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services
Organizations
Center for Rural Affairs (CRA)
Nonprofit/Foundation
Works to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities throughout the nation. Foundation is based in Nebraska.
Community Action of Nebraska, Inc. (CAN)
State government
Works on the behalf of the nine Community Action Agencies in Nebraska, serving as a bridge between the agencies and State, Federal, and private organizations. Coordinates a few statewide programs such as the Nebraska Food Pantry Network and the Low-Income Tax Assistance and Outreach Project.
Electronic Behavioral Health Information Network (eBHIN)
Nonprofit/Foundation
Serves as a Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO) for providers of behavioral health services in Southeast and Western Nebraska.
Great Plains Telehealth Resource and Assistance Center (GPTRAC)
State/regional organization
One of the telehealth resource centers funded by the federal Office for the Advancement of Telehealth. Assists health care organizations, health care networks, and health care providers in the implementation of cost-effective telehealth programs to serve rural and medically underserved areas and populations. Includes North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Nebraska.
Health Center Association of Nebraska (HCAN)
State/regional organization
Serves as the Primary Care office for the state of Nebraska.
HUD Community Development Block Grants: Nebraska (CDBG)
Federal government
Provides funding for community development projects. Website lists contact information for the State CDBG program.
Midwest Assistance Program (MAP)
State/regional organization
Helps communities and tribal nations find solutions to their infrastructure and development needs through information, resource management, expertise, and technical assistance. Helps rural communities in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. As of October 2012 is a partner with the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) to provide technical assistance to communities in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
National Network of Libraries of Medicine, MidContinental Region (NN/LM-MCR)
State/regional organization
Works to improve access to health information for health professionals, librarians, and members of the public in Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri. Also provides free training on using National Library of Medicine online resources.
Nebraska 2-1-1
State/regional organization
Services 38 counties in Nebraska and eight counties in Southwest Iowa. Provides service to 80% of Nebraskan's who can access health and human services 24/7 by dialing 2-1-1. The statewide 2-1-1 Resource Call Center is housed at United Way of the Midlands. Efforts continue to build partnerships to get 2-1-1 telephone service statewide.
Nebraska Area Health Education Centers (NE AHEC)
State/regional organization
Works to recruit, retain, and provide health care and outreach in Nebraska. Consists of four regional AHECs: Central, Northern, Panhandle, and Omaha Urban.
Nebraska Center for Rural Health Research (NCRHR)
Academic/Research
Conducts research and analysis related to improving health care delivery in rural areas on a national basis. Focuses on special populations among rural residents, including the elderly, children, minorities, mentally ill, under and uninsured, and new immigrants whose needs for assistance are unique.
Nebraska Department of Economic Development (NEDED)
State government
Helps businesses locate the information and resources they need to succeed, grow, and prosper. Provides tools and resources provided by the Nebraska Legislature, to grow, diversify and develop the capability of Nebraska's economy.
Nebraska Department of Education: Office of Special Education
State government
Provides services to children needing special services.
Nebraska Department of Education: Vocational Rehabilitation
State government
Helps people with disabilities join the workforce through counseling, job placement, independent living, custom training, and transition support.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
State government
Provides services including education, public health efforts, elderly assistance, those with disabilities, safety to abused or neglected children, and vulnerable adults.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: Alcohol and Substance Abuse
State government
Provides programs and information on behavioral health, criminal justice, substance abuse, and compulsive gambling.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: Public Health Assurance
State government
Provides information on communicable diseases, emergency medical services, epidemiology, radiation control programs, chronic diseases, environmental health, and immunization.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: Child Support Enforcement
State government
Helps children obtain financial support from both parents, enables current public assistance recipients to end their reliance on welfare, and helps prevent single parents from entering public assistance.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: Disabilities Services
State government
Provides certification, technical assistance, and regulations and payment for providers of community-based developmental disabilities services. Provides specialized services for Nebraskans with developmental disabilities.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: Mental Health Services
State government
Provides services to children and adults with mental illness, addition, behavioral health issues, and stress management.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: Office of Health Disparities & Health Equity
State government
Works to improve access to health services for racial/ethnic minorities; improve data collection strategies; increase racial/ethnic minority representation in science and health professions; develop relevant and comprehensive research agenda; and expand community-based health promotion and disease prevention outreach efforts.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: Seniors & Aging
State government
Offers support for seniors living in Nebraska. Resources and services include food and housing support, hospice, transportation, abuse and neglect, adult day care, home health, and respite care.
Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA)
State/regional organization
Provides a unified voice for Nebraska's hospitals and health systems, helping hospitals provide comprehensive care to their communities. Provides information on Nebraska's critical access hospitals, emergency preparedness, education and training, quality and patient safety, and workforce resources.
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA)
State/regional organization
Provides financial resources for homeownership, rental housing, agriculture, manufacturing, medical, and community development endeavors. Provides technical assistance for activities related to these areas.
Nebraska Office of Rural Health
State government
Works to assure the availability and accessibility of quality health care services to meet the needs of people living in rural Nebraska. Promotes programs and activities, recruitment and retention, networking, hospital maintenance, community planning, and leadership.
Nebraska Rural Health Association (NeRHA)
State/regional organization
Provides leadership on rural health issues through advocacy, communication, and education. Provides a forum to address rural health concerns and develop and promote effective solutions at the local, state, and national levels. Provides information on Nebraska rural health clinics.
Nebraska Rural Health Education Network (RHEN )
State/regional organization
Addresses the shortage of health professionals in rural Nebraska. Partners with rural communities, primary health care providers, and Nebraska’s Area Health Education Centers.
Nebraska Statewide Telehealth Network (NSTN)
State/regional organization
Consists of a collaboration of over 110 sites, including hospitals, health departments, mental health centers, physician offices, and rural health clinics. Uses video technology for clinical consultations, support groups, education and training, administrative meetings, and natural disasters and emergencies.
North Central Regional Center for Rural Development (NCRCRD)
State/regional organization
One of four regional rural development centers in the nation. Works with extension professionals, researchers, and partners to enhance rural development outcomes. Serves a 12 state area in the North Central region which includes ND, SD, NE, KS, MN, IA, MO, WI, IL, IN, MI, and OH.
Northern Great Plains Inc. (NGP)
Nonprofit/Foundation
Identifies and promotes policies and practices that support an integrated approach to economic opportunities in rural communities. Identifies trends, needs, and research. Serves North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota.
Partnership for Rural Nebraska (PRN)
State/regional organization
Comprised of seven networks through the state of Nebraska. Educates on rural development needs and activities, using educational opportunities such as the annual Governor's Conference on Rural Development.
Proyecto/Project IDEAS
State/regional organization
Strives to improve HIV prevention services for Latino/Hispanic populations living in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Utah, and Wyoming. Focuses on adapting and tailoring CDC-approved interventions that are culturally, linguistically and educationally appropriate. This is a capacity building assistance program for community-based organizations and state and local health departments.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Nebraska (HUD)
Federal government
Works to increase homeownership, support community development, and increase access to affordable housing. The HUD state office provides information about HUD housing programs and local contacts for the state.
University of Nebraska Rural Initiative
Academic/Research
Identifies opportunities in rural Nebraska. Works in partnership with rural citizens to enhance the economy of rural areas while promoting sustainable use of resources.
USDA Rural Development Nebraska State Office
Federal government
Committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in all of rural America. The Rural Development State Office provides information about Rural Development programs and applications for financial assistance.
VA Midwest Health Care Network (VISN 23)
Federal government
Also known as Veterans Integrated Service Network 23. Serves more than 400,000 enrolled Veterans residing in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and portions of Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Wide River Technology Extension Center: Nebraska
State/regional organization
Nebraska State Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center (REC) that helps health care providers become meaningful users of electronic health records by providing information and technical assistance.
Tools
Community Paramedic
Website
Works to improve the health of millions living in rural and remote regions of the United States and around the world. Offers the Community Paramedic Program, which through a standardized curriculum, trains first responders at the appropriate level to serve communities in the areas of Primary Care, Public Health, Disease Management, Prevention and Wellness, Mental Health, and Dental Care. Partners with various organizations including several from Minnesota and Nebraska.
ERS State Fact Sheet: Nebraska
Website
Lists statistics on population, educational attainment, employment, income, farm characteristics, and farm financial indicators for the state.
Meadowlark Project
Website
Describes a process aimed at systemic change by bringing a diverse sample of the Northern Great Plains region's population to the table to discuss the region's future. Engages in conversations among rural communities and organizations.
National Healthcare Quality Report State Snapshot: Nebraska
Website
Health care quality report for the state, based on the National Healthcare Quality Report.
Nebraska AgrAbility
Website
Helps individuals with disabilities overcome barriers to continue in their chosen profession in agriculture. The program collaborates with community professionals to modify farm and ranch operations, adapt equipment, increase farmstead accessibility, provide financial counseling,
identify funding sources, and coordinate community services.
Nebraska Health Centers Research & Data
Website
Provides access to information on Federally Qualified Health Centers for the state. Includes a map of FQHC locations, as well as information on the populations served by health centers, services provided, staff, patient visits, costs of care, and use of electronic health information.
Nebraska KIDS COUNT Data Center (KCDC)
Website
Provides data on child well-being for the state.
Nebraska QuickFacts
Website
Basic demographic and economic statistics for the state, with links to county-level data.
Nebraska Rural Living
Website
Highlights the amenities of rural communities in Nebraska, spotlights successful entrepreneurs and rural businesses, and offers links to a wide variety of resources.
Nebraska State Data Center
Website
Provides access to U.S. Census Bureau demographic, economic, and social statistics data and information through a wide network of lead, coordinating and affiliate agencies in the state.
Nebraska State Health Facts
Database
The latest state-level data on demographics, health, and health policy, including health coverage, access, financing, and state legislation. Individual state profiles and 50-state comparisons.
NN/LM MidContinental Region: Nebraska Resources
Website
Presents an overview of the state and provides links to state agencies, health associations, and other resources for Nebraskans.
Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP)
Technical assistance
Offers support for small, rural business development in the form of management training, a loan fund, networking, and technical assistance.
Study of Nebraska's Local Public Health Agency Model
Website
Provides access to research highlights and findings from Nebraska's Local Public Health assessment project. The project explored elements of a regional public health agency model and the impact of such a model on the performance of core public health functions.
See also: State-by-State Resources: Tools Funding
Community Resource Group (CRG) Loan Fund
Loans to help small, rural communities and tribal nations with water and wastewater projects.
Mission and Ministry Fund Planning and Project Grants
Grants to build community capacity and work in collaboration with others to implement action plans that address specific, documented community needs.
Mission and Ministry Fund Violence Prevention Grant
Funds may be requested to cover the costs of community-based planning, conducting community meetings, assessing community violence-related assets and needs, continuing specific community-based violence prevention efforts and related activities.
Nebraska Housing Study Grant Program
Grants to be used to stimulate ideas for comprehensive development plans encompassing housing, community, and economic development opportunities in Nebraska.
Nebraska Loan Repayment Program for Rural Health Professionals
Offers loan repayment assistance to certain health care professionals who agree to practice in a Health Professional Shortage Area of Nebraska.
Nebraska Rural Health Student Loan Program
Offers low-interest forgivable loans to Nebraska residents pursuing medical, physician assistant, dental, or graduate-level mental health training and agree to serve in a Health Professional Shortage Area of Nebraska upon graduation.
Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) Direct Loan Program
Loan products designed to fill a gap for financing needs of startup and existing small businesses in rural Nebraska.
Wells Fargo Corporate Giving Programs
Funding for nonprofit organizations in the areas of community development, education, human services, arts and culture, civic responsibility, and environmental consciousness.
Inactive Funding
Inactive Funding Opportunities -
Lists additional funding programs for this state that are not currently accepting applications. Programs that are inactive may be offered again in the future.
Documents, Reports and Other Publications
Building Medical Homes: Lessons from Eight States with Emerging Programs
Author(s): Neva Kaye, Jason Buxbaum, Mary Takach
Sponsoring organization: Commonwealth Fund
Profiles eight states that are at different stages in the development and implementation of a medical home program. Includes Alabama, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, Texas, and Virginia.
Date: 12 / 2011
Case Studies of Wealth Creation and Rural-Urban Linkages
Author(s): Brian Dabson, Jennifer Jensen, Alan Okagaki, Adam Blair, Megan Carroll
Sponsoring organization: RUPRI Rural Futures Lab
Analyzes four economic case studies in Oregon, New Orleans, Nebraska and Texas. Describes key concepts involved in wealth creation and rural-urban linkages.
Date: 04 / 2012
Case Study of Developments in Rural Health in Difficult Economic Times: Nemaha County, Nebraska
Author(s): Anh Nguyen, Kelly Shaw-Sutherland, Keith Mueller
Sponsoring organization: RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis
Shows how health care providers and others in Nemaha County, NE are faring during the 2008-2010 economy and period of diminishing access to care, escalating health care costs, and gaps in quality.
Date: 2009
Community Development Resource Guide
Author(s): Kim Preston
Sponsoring organization: Center for Rural Affairs
A reference document that contains key resources including grants, foundations, and low interest loans, that may assist with community projects. Emphasis is on Nebraska but also includes information for other locations.
Date: 2009
Critical Match: Nebraska’s Health Workforce Planning Project Final Report
Author(s): Keith Mueller
Sponsoring organization: Nebraska Center for Rural Health Research
Provides a snapshot of the current demographics, supply, composition and geographical distribution of health professionals in the state of Nebraska. Discusses a project that will develop a strategy for meeting the health care workforce needs of Nebraska, which is slated to be completed in four phases over two years.
Date: 09 / 2009
Demographic and Economic Profile: Nebraska
Author(s): Kathleen K. Miller
Sponsoring organization: Rural Policy Research Institute
Presents demographics and economic data on Nebraska. Includes statistics and data, charts, and graphs.
Date: 10 / 2008
Family Bottom Line
Author(s): Catherine Huddleston-Casas, Annemarie Bailey Fowler, Erin Kampbell
Sponsoring organization: Opportunity Finance Network
Establishes a benchmark against which to compare Nebraska families to determine how they are faring economically relative to where they live. Includes data for all 93 counties, data analysis and mapping distinguished three regions within the state: Metro, Non-Metro Urban and Non-Metro Rural.
Date: 05 / 2009
Health Insurance, Health Care Costs, and Access to Care: How Are Nebraska Farmers and Ranchers Faring Compared to Farmers and Ranchers in Other Great Plains States?
Sponsoring organization: Access Project
Discusses how health care costs effects farmers and ranchers in Nebraska, including the effects on their families, businesses, and surrounding rural economies.
Date: 07 / 2009
Integrated Care: A Model That Works
Author(s): David Howe
Sponsoring organization: Nebraska Office of Rural Health
Outlines a program that integrates behavioral and primary healthcare in rural areas where availability of behavioral healthcare services is inadequate.
Date: 05 / 2009
Nebraska Critical Access Hospital Information (FY12)
Sponsoring organization: Nebraska Office of Rural Health
Presents a listing of all Critical Access Hospitals in Nebraska, as of January, 2013.
Date: 01 / 2013
Nebraska Family Physician Survey Report 2009
Author(s): Thomas Rauner, Monica Sanford
Sponsoring organization: Nebraska Office of Rural Health
Reports results from a survey of Nebraska's family medicine physicians that brought input on the state of family medicine practice, physicians’ their plans for relocation or retirement, obstetric care practice patterns, access to and affordability of health care in rural areas, and the usefulness of loan repayment programs.
Date: 12 / 2009
New Medicaid Initiative in Nebraska: The Rural Implications
Author(s): Jon Bailey
Sponsoring organization: Center for Rural Affairs
Describes implications of the Affordable Care Act's provision for Medicaid expansion on Nebraska's rural economy.
Date: 09 / 2012
New “Frontier”: Older Adults in Nebraska Rural Senior Centers
Author(s): Randall Russ, Anne Marie Speck
Sponsoring organization: Marshall University
Examines current wellness activities for older adults in rural Nebraska senior centers.
Date: 06 / 2010
Past Silos and Smokestacks: Transforming the Rural Economy in the Midwest
Author(s): Mark Drabenstott
Sponsoring organization: Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Discusses a development strategy that includes regional cooperation, innovation, and a leveraging of all strengths for the rural Midwest to transform its economy.
Date: 2010
Roadmap for Improving the Quality of Care in CAHs: Recommendations from the April 15 Planning Summit
Sponsoring organization: Nebraska Office of Rural Health
Presents the report from a group of rural quality experts who met to discuss and improve the quality of care in Nebraska’s critical access hospitals.
Date: 2009
Small Business Profile: Nebraska
Sponsoring organization: Small Business Administration
Profile of the state's economy, covering the number of firms, industry composition, small business income, banking, women and minority business ownership, and employment.
Date: 2 / 2013
Wind Energy: Rural People Hold the Power
Author(s): Paul Mansoor
Sponsoring organization: Center for Rural Affairs
Describes how rural states have used wind energy as an economic development strategy. Briefly describes wind energy programs in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
Date: 11 / 2012
See also: State-by-State Resources: Documents Journals
Community Connections
Published quarterly. Reports on research, programs, and emerging issues affecting low and moderate-income and small business communities. As a regional headquarters of the central bank, the Kansas City Fed seeks to link the communities of the seven-state region to the work of the Federal Reserve, including Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wyoming, and portions of western Missouri, and northern New Mexico.
Nebraska - Access
Offers information on current news, events, and issues related to Nebraska's rural health care system. This is the quarterly newsletter of the Nebraska State Office of Rural Health and the Nebraska Rural Health Association.
Nebraska - NeRHA E-News
Free, monthly newsletter of the NeRHA. Subscription required. Informs on latest issues in rural health at the state and federal levels as well as what is happening with NeRHA.
Source Newsletter
Published three times a year. Provides news on infrastructure and development needs for rural communities in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Success Stories
The Diabetes Project
Based on the high incidence of diabetes in these counties, a consortium of agencies was created increase the knowledge of local physicians regarding appropriate management of diabetes, increase patient awareness of the need for treatment and how to manage diabetes properly,and to increase public awareness of diabetes, the risk factors for the disease, and where to go for testing.
Mobile Unit Brings Cancer Screenings to Native American Women
Describes how the Mobile Women's Health Unit works to meet the needs of Native American women living in rural areas.
EMS Co-op Helps Rural Providers
Using the power of group purchasing within a cooperative structure, the North Central EMS Cooperative (NCEMSC) is an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) cooperative developed to serve Minnesota and surrounding states.
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