Hundreds on hand as MMI marks new beginning

Jacob Gehringer, 22, got up on stage and thanked the Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation “for helping me become an independent man.”

Gehringer, a Project SEARCH graduate who has received services at MMI beginning when he was 2, spoke Aug. 26 in the company of university, city, state and community leaders. All were gathered, with a crowd of hundreds of MMI staff, clients and other well-wishers, as MMI held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of renovations to the institute’s new home.

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, Lt. Gov. Michael Foley, University of Nebraska Interim President Susan Fritz, Ph.D., and others also spoke at the event, joining UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., and MMI Director Karoly Mirnics, M.D., Ph.D. It took place at the site of the future home of MMI at 6902 Pine St., adjacent to the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Scott Campus.

Completion of the renovation is scheduled for the fall of 2020, and the building will open and begin providing patient services later that year.

As MMI begins its second century of providing services for patients with developmental and intellectual disabilities, its new home will be amazing, unique and unparalleled, MMI Director Karoly Mirnics, M.D., Ph.D., told the crowd attending the event.

See a photo album of the event.

The building is uniquely designed to facilitate integrated care for the individuals and families with these disabilities and complex health care needs that MMI serves across the lifespan.

“The new building will allow us to expand our existing services, develop new ones, and provide patient care in an integrative, multidisciplinary, patient-centric model,” Dr. Mirnics said. “Furthermore, the building is purposefully designed for interaction with families and community partners.”
But, he said, “a building is a vessel that serves a purpose. It is a place that enables the magic to happen. Ultimately, it is about the quality of services we provide and the community needs that must be met.”

Dr. Mirnics thanked patients, MMI providers, board members, leaders at the university, city, state and government level, designers, builders, former MMI leaders and “the amazing philanthropic community” in his remarks.

UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., speaks at the event.

“Our community’s generosity made this dream possible, and our shared vision is something we greatly cherish. On behalf of MMI staff, patients and families — thank you.”

UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., called the new building a doorway into MMI’s second century.

“This facility will be devoted to improving the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, enhance the clinical experience for our patients, provide a home for groundbreaking research and allow us to ensure a top-notch education to the next generation of clinical professionals,” Dr. Gold said. “It will allow the Munroe-Meyer Institute greater scope and versatility as it continues in its century-long mission to transform the lives of all individuals with disabilities and complex health care needs, as well as their family, our community, the region and the world.”

Munroe-Meyer Institute Board President Denise Gehringer, Jacob’s mother, joined him onstage, to speak about the institute’s impact.

“Over the years I have encountered countless individuals and families whose lives have been significantly elevated due to MMI’s work,” she said. “I am also beyond thrilled that with the capacity of this fantastic new building, and because of the support of the individuals and foundations that have provided funding to make it possible, more children and adults with diverse needs will be served, more innovative and powerful programs will be possible and more people with disabilities will live their best lives.”

Perhaps Jacob Gehringer said it best: “MMI rocks!”

See press material on the new building.