By Allison Peck
McCook, Neb. — The Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has released its 2024–2025 Annual Report, showcasing a year of strong progress in disease prevention, emergency preparedness, environmental health, and community wellness across its nine-county service area.
Strengthening Emergency Preparedness and Disease Response
SWNPHD updated its Emergency Response Plan and contributed to the statewide Integrated Preparedness Plan, ensuring better coordination in future crises. The department also refined distribution plans for the Strategic National Stockpile to efficiently deliver medical supplies during emergencies.
This year, the team responded to a tuberculosis (TB) case in the region—working with local partners to contain the disease and treat six individuals exposed. In total, SWNPHD logged 1,299 disease reports and completed 469 follow-up investigations during the year.
Air and Water Quality Improvements
Air quality monitoring expanded significantly with PurpleAir sensors now installed in all nine counties, giving residents real-time access to local air conditions.
The department also tested 144 private wells for nitrates. Roughly one-third exceeded the safe limit of 10 mg/L, underscoring the ongoing need for water safety awareness.
Meanwhile, 60 radon test kits were distributed and 227 students from eight schools participated in the annual Radon Poster Contest, helping spread awareness of the cancer-causing gas.
Protecting Children’s Health
Childhood lead screening saw a notable rise—247 children tested this year, up from 187 last year. The department also investigated 10 elevated lead cases and added LeadCare II machines at its McCook and Ogallala offices to expand screening access.
SWNPHD continued its Polish Your Pearls dental program, offering free oral screenings and fluoride treatments to children in schools and daycares. Portable dental equipment also brought care to nine long-term care facilities.
Community Health and Wellness
More than 400 fourth-graders took part in the annual Nebraska Kids Fitness & Nutrition Day, combining hands-on lessons in nutrition and exercise.
The Walk to Health challenge attracted 129 participants this year, using the new Be Well app to track progress and encourage daily activity.
SWNPHD’s Pool Cool program partnered with 12 swimming pools to teach sun safety and awarded each participating pool $250 for helping prevent skin cancer in their communities.
Behavioral Health and Respite Support
A partnership with CredibleMind expanded access to online mental health resources, offering over 38,000 residents free 24/7 support tools. Nearly 900 users accessed the platform during its first months.
The Lifespan Respite Network continues to support caregivers, enrolling nine families and hosting events—like a painting session in Trenton—to provide meaningful breaks and connection.
Reducing Tobacco Use and Improving Road Safety
Efforts to reduce tobacco and nicotine use remain a top priority, with community outreach focused on youth and underserved populations.
SWNPHD also earned a Nebraska Department of Transportation mini-grant, which funded local campaigns promoting seatbelt use and discouraging impaired or distracted driving.
Minority Health Initiative and Immunizations
Through the Minority Health Initiative, the department hosted free screenings across multiple counties—offering cholesterol checks, flu vaccines, and nutrition classes.
In total, SWNPHD provided 1,144 immunizations to 671 people, including routine shots, school clinics, and travel vaccines.
Fiscal Responsibility
The department reported $1.78 million in total revenue and $1.61 million in expenses for the 2024–2025 fiscal year, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and responsible resource use.
About SWNPHD
The Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves residents of Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins, and Red Willow counties.
Learn more or view the full report at swhealth.ne.gov or follow SWNPHD on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.