School Surveillance

School Illness and Absentee Program

South Heartland District Health Department (SHDHD) takes part in a statewide program to watch and report absences in the schools due to illness such as flu and asthma. This information is passed on to NE Department of Health and Human Services weekly and allows state and local health officials to respond more quickly to disease outbreaks in the schools. In the past, SHDHD has helped schools with higher absence rates to decide a course of action in dealing with illness in their schools. This has included increased and stricter cleaning procedures as well as closing the schools. Seeing the increased absence rates allows us to send information back to the schools as well, to let them know what illnesses are present in the community. Both instances illustrate the mutually beneficial nature of the relationship between the schools and the Health Department.

Local Data

Community Health Improvement

The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is developed from the Community Health Needs Assessment. Priority objectives are developed to address determined priority areas of need. Collaborative work groups (1) evaluate data and trends to (2) develop goals and strategies to (3) implement interventions.

To view South Heartland District's CHIP progress, click here.

How Healthy Are We?

Local Health Data from the South Heartland District Health Department provides health information for residents of Adams, Clay, Nuckolls, and Webster counties. Three survey reports provide information on health behaviors, chronic health conditions, and the use of preventive services. Click here for more information

Vaccination Program

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program helps immunize children whose parents or guardians cannot afford it. This helps ensure that all children have a better chance of receiving recommended immunizations on time. Vaccines available through the VFC Program are those recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). These vaccines protect babies, young children, and teens from 16 diseases.