The University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Health System
have formed the South Omaha Community Care Council, a 25-member group whose
mission is to improve the health and well-being of South Omaha residents.
The council, which meets every other month, will serve as a resource
in the community that provides information on prevention, intervention
and education about health care and wellness issues. The SOCCC hopes to
improve communication and cooperation in South Omaha health agencies. The
council will provide UNMC and NHS with community feedback, which will increase
the effectiveness of the two health care organizations in meeting the health
needs of the South Omaha community.
Members of the council, who were elected in June, will serve a three-year
staggered term. The council includes business and government leaders, neighborhood
association volunteers, health-care professionals and representatives from
religious organizations.
“This council is filled with members who care deeply for the South Omaha
community. They bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, said Aura Whitney-Jackson,
a community liaison for the University of Nebraska Medical Center. ABy
working together, this council will be able to make positive changes in
the community.”
Rita Melgares, J.D., an attorney practicing in South Omaha, was elected
president. Frank Varon, D.D.S., a dentist who practices in South Omaha,
is vice president, and Juana Espejo, an immigration specialist for the
Juan Diego Center, is secretary.
Other members of the council are:
· Steve Andrews, coordinator of the Inner-City Coalition on the Environment.
· Richard Becker, coordinator of UNO Family Mentoring.
· Vicki Bera, president of Families & Community Experiencing Success
Inc.
· Janet Bonet, a professional translator.
· Jackie Boryca, vice president for marketing and business development
at Bank of Nebraska.
· Alberto Cervantes, coordinator of UNO Family Mentoring.
· Toba Cohen, a staff assistant in U.S. Sen. Robert Kerrey=s Omaha
office.
· Pennie Davis, chief executive officer of the Greater Omaha Packing
Co.
· Theresa Gauff, homeless prevention service director for the Salvation
Army.
· Geena Gomez, a student at the College of Saint Mary.
· Geneiver Lewis, pastoral license, Gospel Satellite Church.
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· Jeannie Mill, owner of Quick Mail.
· Sherriann Moore, administrator at Ponca Health and Wellness Center.
· Missy Oldro, a student at Omaha South High School.
· Dorothy Patach, president of the Spring Lake Neighborhood Association.
· Gina Ponce-Guidoni, executive director of the Chicano Awareness Center.
· Ofelia Robles, neighborhood organizer for the Omaha Police Dept.
· Mike Saklar, community development manager for the City of Omaha.
· Estrella SanMartin, production coordinator for Spanish cable television
programming.
· Karen Shepard, an attorney and member of the Omaha School Board.
· Marie Valentin, office coordinator for Alegent Health Care South.
· Sharon Watts, supervisor for the Omaha Public Schools’ English
as a Second Language program.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the
state. Through its commitment to research, education and patient care,
UNMC has established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for
cancer research and treatment and solid organ transplantation. More than
$27 million in research grants and contracts are awarded to UNMC scientists
annually. In addition, UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for
training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other
institution.