Panhandle Public Health District coordinates updates to the Panhandle Community Health Improvement Plan every three years in conjunction with each hospital in the region. The result is a thorough overview of the health of the Panhandle and of each hospital’s service area. You can see past examples here: https://pphd.ne.gov/Pages/CHIP.html
Partners are invited to plan together for the health of the Panhandle on January 29, 2026 from 10 AM – 2 PM at Prairie Winds Community Center in Bridgeport. This update to the health improvement plan will inform the priorities of the public health system in Western Nebraska for the next three years. The meeting will feature welcoming remarks by Panhandle Public Health District Director, Jessica Davies; a presentation of health data by DHHS State Epidemiologist, Dr. Sydney Stein; & an update on our regional Crisis Stabilization project from Jim Cowser, CEO of Western Nebraska Counseling Center. We will also work together to create a vision of success that will emerge from our collective impact and reflect on what will come next.
“The collaboration from past community health improvement planning sessions has led to some incredible projects for the Panhandle,” said Megan Barhafer, Community Health Planner Supervisor, Panhandle Public Health District. “We are excited to see what will come out of this one.”
If you would like to attend or have any questions about the Community Health Improvement Planning meeting or the process in general, contact Megan at 308-765-1939 or email mbarhafer@pphd.ne.gov.