🏢 About NNPHD
Learn about our mission, team, and values.
What is Public Health?
Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This work is achieved by promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and detecting, preventing, and responding to infectious diseases.
Unlike medical care, which focuses on treating individuals who are already sick, public health focuses on populations — preventing problems from happening or recurring through education, policy, research, and community-based programs.
Prevent
We work to prevent disease, injury, and disability before they occur through education, screenings, and vaccination.
Promote
We promote healthy behaviors, safe environments, and access to quality healthcare for everyone in our region.
Protect
We protect our communities from health threats including disease outbreaks, unsafe food, and environmental hazards.
Partner
We partner with schools, employers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to build a healthier region.
At NNPHD, we work every day to ensure that Cedar, Dixon, Thurston, and Wayne counties have access to the services, information, and resources needed for healthy lives.
Our Mission
“To protect and promote the health and well-being of all people in Northeast Nebraska through prevention, education, and equitable access to public health services.”
Who We Are
Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department (NNPHD) is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and well-being of the residents of Cedar, Dixon, Thurston, and Wayne counties. Through health education, disease prevention, community partnerships, and access to essential health services, NNPHD works to create healthier communities for all ages. Our programs focus on addressing local health needs, reducing health disparities, and empowering individuals and families to make informed decisions that support lifelong wellness.
20+ Staff
Our team of 20+ public health professionals works to protect, promote, and improve the health of communities throughout Northeast Nebraska.
4 Counties
Proudly serving Cedar, Dixon, Thurston, and Wayne counties in Northeast Nebraska.
Our Staff
Our team of dedicated public health professionals serves Cedar, Dixon, Thurston, and Wayne counties. For general inquiries, call our main office at (402) 375-2200.
To reach a staff member by email, please call (402) 375-2200 or visit our office at 801 Milo Drive, Wayne, NE 68787. You can also send a general message through our contact form.
Board of Health
The Board of Health plays a vital role in guiding our health department’s mission to protect and improve community health. As a governing body, the Board provides guidance and acts in an advisory capacity.
Responsibilities of the Board of Health
- Participates in decision-making & policy formulation within the board
- Collaborate with other board members to set priorities and allocate resources
- May come from various backgrounds bringing diverse perspectives to the board
- Accountable for ensuring the board acts in the best interest of the community
Participates in meetings engages with constituents, and communicates board decisions to the community
Nebraska Local Boards of Health consists of one county board member, one dentist, one physician, and six public-spirited citizens interested in the health of the community. The physician and dentist shall each serve an initial term of three years. Three public-spirited citizens shall each serve an initial term of three years, and three public-spirited men or women shall each serve an initial term of two years. After the initial terms of office expire, each new appointment shall be for a term of three years. Duties of the Board of Health is acting in an advisory capacity to review and recommend changes to ordinances, resolutions, and resources allocations; review and recommend changes in the budget annually; monitor and review the enforcement of laws and regulations of the BOH.
Access the Toolkit: Nebraska Board of Health Toolkit
Meet Our Board Members
President
Wayne County Representative
Secretary
Chief Nursing Officer – Pender Hospital
Thurston County Citizen Representative
Vice President
Medical Director
Wayne County Representative
Treasurer
Dentist – Family First Dental of Wayne
Cedar County
County Commissioner
LCC High School Principle
Cedar County Citizen Representative
Dixon County
County Commissioner
Dixon County Representative
Thurston County
Thurston County Representative
Chief Nursing Officer- Pender Hospital
Thurston County Citizen Representative
Wayne County
Wayne County Representative
County Commissioner
CEO Providence Medical Center
Wayne Citizen Representative
Dentist (since May 2026)
Dentist – Family First Dental of Wayne
Board Meetings
The Board of Health holds regular meetings to discuss public health issues, review department activities, and make decisions that impact community well-being. Meetings are open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and stay informed.
Meeting Schedule: Check local newspapers and NNPHD social media for meeting dates.
Location: To be announced (TBD)
For more information, contact: NNPHD at (402) 375-2200
📍Office Hours & Location
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
8:00 AM – 5:30PM
8:00 AM – 5:30PM
Closed
Closed
Closed
Main Office
801 Milo Drive, Wayne, NE 68787