Grand opening of Community Wellness Collaborative is Sept. 27

On Sept. 27, the UNMC and Nebraska Medicine communities are invited to celebrate the grand opening of the med center’s Community Wellness Collaborative, located within the Highlander neighborhood in north Omaha.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house are planned from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Community Wellness Collaborative space at 2120 N. 29^th St., Suite 200. UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, and Nebraska Medicine CEO James Linder, MD, will be on hand along with community leaders.

The space is dedicated to engaging individuals and groups and connecting them with health resources. Connect with the team and learn more about the Community Wellness Collaborative’s vision to provide support and resources through education, training and building career pathways.

“Having a joint presence at the Highlander with our clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine, creates a win for our organizations and more importantly for the people in north Omaha,” said Heidi Keeler, PhD, assistant vice chancellor for the UNMC Office of Community Engagement. “The CWC will enable us to create new ways to improve health equity among the community and create a diverse workforce.”

Located at 30^th and Patrick streets, the building is part of the Highlander neighborhood’s purpose-built communities’ revitalization efforts to support residents and tenants in and around the area. With a goal of helping reduce disparities within the 68111 ZIP code area, the med center’s programming and initiatives will start with its community health needs assessment and improvement plan and move efforts forward in partnership with community members.

“The CWC will enable us to be more proactive about putting preventive measures in place to improve the health of our community,” said Shanda Ross, Nebraska Medicine director for engagement, outreach and belonging. “We’re thrilled to become part of the neighborhood, listen to members of our community and see how we can transform lives.”