🏢 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
Jim Rabe
President
Wayne County Representative
Dr. Melissa Dobbins, MD
Vice President
Medical Director
Wayne County Representative
Katie Peterson
Secretary
Chief Nursing Officer-Pender Hospital
Dr. Melissa Heithold, DVM
Treasurer
Veterinarian
Wayne County Representative
Cedar County
Mike Meier
County Commissioner
Jen VanMeter
LCC High School Principal
Cedar County Citizen Representative
Dixon County
Terry Nicholson
County Commissioner
Traci Haglund
Director of Nursing-Wakefield Healthcare Center
Dixon County Citizen Representative
Thurston County
Georgia Mayberry
Thurston County Representative
Katie Peterson
Chief Nursing Officer
Thurston County Citizen Representative
Wayne County
Jim Rabe
Wayne County Representative
County Commissioner
Nicole Haglund
CEO Providence Medical Center
Wayne Citizen Representative
Dentist (since May 2026)
Open positions
Open positions
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
Employment Opportunities
Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department is committed to building a strong, passionate team dedicated to improving public health in our region. We offer rewarding careers where you can make a real difference in the lives of residents in Cedar, Dixon, Thurston, and Wayne counties.
Why Work at NNPHD?
Meaningful Work
Every day, our work directly protects and improves the health of our neighbors and communities.
Growth & Development
Opportunities for continuing education, professional certifications, and career advancement.
Collaborative Team
Work alongside dedicated professionals committed to a shared public health mission.
Community Impact
Serve a 4-county region and be part of evidence-based, community-driven health initiatives.
Benefits
NNPHD offers a competitive benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plan with employer contribution
- Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays)
- Continuing education support and professional development
- Life insurance and disability coverage
- Employee assistance program
Current Openings
Our current list of open positions is listed below. Please call our office at (402) 375-2200 for more information or check back on this page. Positions are posted as they become available.
- Hospital Community Health Worker (Providence Medical Center in Wayne & Pender Hospital in Pender)-Bilingual required. This position would serve as a referral and resource person, help with translation in the ER, Hospital as needed and assist with DHHS paperwork.
- Men’s Health Outreach Coordinator-This position would provide education, referrals, prevention activities, outreach and screenings to improve health outcomes and reduce chronic dx risk factors among men.
- Heart and Asthma Community Health Worker-This position would create heart healthy activities, promote health lifestyle habits with 1-to-1 coaching, assist with referrals and resources, oversee the blood pressure home monitoring program, and teach hypertension education classes. Would also set up education, outreach and presentations for Asthma.
- Nutrition, Emergency Food Bank, and Transportation (NET)- This position would provide and organize the supplies for the emergency food bank, referrals to food resources in the community, work on resources for food donations, deliver food to seniors in need in the 4-county areas, set up programs and referrals for food insecurities, provide inbody machine assessments to school events and/or after school programs for physical activities.
- Oral Health and Cancer prevention Community Health Worker- This position would assist with dental clinics in the schools, provide face assessments and prevention for skin cancer, outreach and events.
How to Apply
To apply for a position with NNPHD:
- Download and complete the NNPHD Employment Application
- Prepare a current resume and cover letter describing your interest in the position
- Include contact information for at least three professional references
- Submit your completed application packet by email, mail, or in person
Submit Your Application
By Email
Email your application to info@nnphd.ne.gov
By Mail
Mail to: NNPHD — Attn: Hiring 801 Milo Drive Wayne, NE 68787
In Person
Drop off at our office during business hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Questions?
Call us at (402) 375-2200 — we're happy to help.
Equal Opportunity Employer: NNPHD is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.
📍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
Phone
(402) 375-2200