The Dr. Edwin G. & Dorothy Balbach Davis Global Center, home to UNMC’s iEXCEL program and the Global Center for Health Security, celebrated its virtual dedication on October 13, 2020. iEXCEL is a highly technologically advanced center that provides clinical simulation for exper iential learning by using a wide range of technologies including augmented and virtual reality. The Global Center for Health Security is an internationally-recognized center of excellence for biopreparedness, emergency medical response, clinical care, innovation, education/training, and research.
President Ted Carter, Chancellor Jeffrey Gold, Governor Pete Ricketts, Mayor Jean Stothert, Admiral Charles Richard, General John E. Hyten, and other dignitaries participated in the virtual dedication ceremony. Each shared congratulatory remarks for this accomplishment that will provide unmatched education opportunities for students, training for health care professionals, and integrated collaborations with state and federal public health partners.
GCHS Executive Director of Clinical Research Dr. Chris Kratochvil welcomed the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dr. Robert Kadlec to the virtual ceremony. Secretary Kadlec highlighted ASPR's $26 million grant to UNMC that established and expanded the Training Simulation and Quarantine Center (TSQC) on the ground floor of the Davis Global Center, and he also thanked UNMC for its partnership with ASPR. Noting the importance of the GCHS’s role, Secretary Kadlec remarked, "The work you do in Omaha improves the entire country’s level of readiness." Dr. Kadlec concluded his remarks praising the assistance and collaboration of the GCHS towards federal response partners during the isolation and quarantine care of individuals from Wuhan, China, and the Princess Diamond cruise ship at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ceremony concluded with sentiments from Dr. Edwin G. and Dorothy Balbach Davis’ family members and recognition of other philanthropists that financially supported the many technological innovations and advancements the Davis Global Center brings to UNMC. To watch the virtual ceremony in its entirety, visit: https://www.unmc.edu/iexcel/global-center/index.html
GCHS Participates in Dedication of Dr. Edwin G. & Dorothy Balbach Global Center
