Month

Topic

 Date

Analyzing Food Access: An Investigation of Food Insecurity Amongst Latinos in Rural Nebraska

Presenter: Natalia Santos, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Department of Health Promotion, UNMC College of Public Health

This presentation investigates the complex landscape of food insecurity among rural Latinos in Nebraska through a three-study approach. The research first establishes a Food Insecurity Vulnerability Index to identify high-risk census tracts, then assesses the cultural adequacy and pricing of local retail environments. Finally, qualitative interviews with rural Latinas reveal that "access" is shaped by five dimensions: availability, accessibility, affordability, accommodation, and acceptability. Ultimately, the studies concludes that food insecurity is not merely a geographic issue of "food deserts," but is deeply tied to socioeconomic barriers, documentation status, and systemic resource limitations.

View Recording

Jan 20

The State of Health in Nebraska

Presenter: Dr. Ali Khan, Dean of UNMC College of Public Health

Join PHAN for Dr. Ali Khan’s annual State of Health in Nebraska to hear the top cause of mortality and morbidity in Nebraska along with trends. Intended audience is public health practitioners, policy makers, and champions alike.

View Recording

Feb 11

Strengthening the Behavioral Health Workforce to Reduce Unmet Behavioral Health Needs in Nebraska

Presenter: Melissa Tibbits, PhD, Associate Director of Research and Evaluation

University of Nebraska Medical Center

This presentation will review state and regional trends in the behavioral health workforce from 2010-2024. Strategies for strengthening the behavioral health workforce and reducing unmet behavioral health needs in Nebraska will be discussed. 

View Recording

Mar 25

No Safe Sip: Understanding and Preventing Alcohol-Related Cancers

Presenter: Liene Topko, Policy & Research Coordinator, Project Extra Mile

This presentation will discuss the evidence that alcohol consumption increases cancer risk and contributes significantly to public health harms. It will outline how excessive alcohol use affects individuals and communities, highlighting national and Nebraska data. The presentation will review policy and research developments, including the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on alcohol and cancer, efforts to improve alcohol labeling, and debates around dietary guidelines. Finally, it discusses environmental prevention strategies and policy approaches, such as pricing policies, to reduce alcohol-related harms and prevent alcohol-attributable cancers.

Register HERE

Apr 23