OMAHA- Shanda Ross, a nurse by trade and a program director at Nebraska Medicine, will help oversee the new Community Wellness Collaborative that officially opened on the ground level of a new Highlander building. The space at 2120 N. 29th St. is not a medical clinic, but rather will house a small staff tasked with connecting area residents to health-focused resources and career training opportunities. The overall goal is healthier lifestyles.

Ross said she got chills, exclaimed “whoa” and teared up when tapped to help launch the venture in the historically disconnected and disadvantaged area where she grew up. “To be able to be a part of something that now is making sure this community can thrive where they live is a blessing, an honor.”

Nebraska Medicine and the University of Nebraska Medical Center describe their joint effort as a mission to reduce health disparities facing residents of the 68111 ZIP code. It will start off with the staff “listening” to locals and trying in various ways to glean information to better identify and break down barriers to healthy lifestyles.

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