Omaha's healthcare landscape, a complex system of challenges and opportunities, demands our attention regarding vital community health initiatives and persistent healthcare disparities. CHI Health Immanuel Hospital, under the leadership of Anthony Ashby, stands at the forefront of efforts to address these concerns. Together, they are dedicated to providing comprehensive and equitable care to the population of North Omaha and its surrounding areas.
At Omaha Magazine, we are committed to illuminating critical issues like your healthcare. On a recent episode of our Omaha Magazine Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with CHI Health president Ashby about the multifaceted challenges the hospital faces. From navigating the intricacies of providing consistent care to the unprecedented demands of a global pandemic, our discussion shed light on the innovative strategies being implemented to ensure accessible and high-quality healthcare for all.
Ashby's Journey and Perspective
Ashby's journey to Omaha is a testament to the unexpected opportunities that our city presents. Ashby candidly admits, “Nebraska was by no means on the radar,” and that his decision to join CHI Health was driven by its mission. In particular, its unique emphasis on “advancing social justice” resonated deeply with his personal values and professional aspirations.
He reflected on CHI Health's mission, emphasizing its faith-based approach and focus on social justice. He states, “Our mission is advancing social justice, which is still one of the most unique things I've seen in any hospital's mission statement.” This focus on societal fairness informs every aspect of the hospital's operations, from patient care to community outreach.
The State of U.S. and Omaha Healthcare
The challenges facing the U.S. healthcare system, including inequality of healthcare and escalating costs, are significant and demand urgent attention. Ashby pointed out, “It’s very frustrating for me to see the disparity in U.S. healthcare compared to similar countries across the world.”
Analyzing the Omaha healthcare landscape, he highlighted the presence of multiple reputable hospitals, including CHI Health, Methodist, and others. “We have a lot of really good health systems,” he noted, emphasizing the city’s robust healthcare infrastructure.
The exploration of healthcare access in Omaha reveals a complex picture, with pockets of excellence and areas requiring targeted interventions. Addressing these disparities is crucial for equitable healthcare for all Omaha residents.
CHI Health Immanuel Hospital
When we examine Omaha hospitals, we see that CHI Health Immanuel Hospital plays a vital and indispensable role in the city’s healthcare ecosystem. The hospital itself has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. With approximately 1,200 dedicated employees, the facility provides a comprehensive range of services and serves a broad geographic area, extending beyond the immediate North Omaha community.
Ashby noted, “One of the things that’s unique about Immanuel, from a geographic standpoint, [is that] we are the only full-service hospital north of Dodge Street.”
The hospital faces unique challenges and opportunities in serving North Omaha, requiring a nuanced and culturally sensitive approach to hospital administration. Ashby emphasized the diverse patient population, including significant African American and refugee communities. “We have a large outreach… There’s a lot of diversity. It’s a very dynamic patient population.”
Community Health Initiatives and Social Screening
Addressing the social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and transportation, is a critical component of the hospital’s efforts to improve patient outcomes. Ashby states, “Your health care itself only represents about 20% of your overall health.”
He shared about the hospital’s “community corner” initiative, which provides essential items to patients in need: “One of the things we noticed is a lot of times people come to or leave the hospital [without] proper jackets or shoes.”
The importance of social screening is underscored by the mandate for hospitals to assess these needs that impact health. The World Health Organization's influence on this screening process highlights the importance of addressing the broader determinants of health and taking a holistic approach to patient care to improve overall health outcomes.
Workforce and Staffing
The impact of low unemployment on healthcare staffing is a significant concern for hospitals nationwide, including CHI Health. The hospital is implementing proactive strategies for recruiting and retaining medical personnel, including robust workforce development and educational opportunities.
“We’ve been very, very focused on our retention,” Ashby said. “There’s a lot of different programs in terms of pipelines and offering free education for people to pursue higher levels.” These efforts by CHI Health are crucial for ensuring a stable and highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the community’s healthcare needs.
Recent Hospital Initiatives and Expansions
Renovation projects and expansions of specialty care are underway at CHI Health Immanuel Hospital, demonstrating its commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. The hospital is also investing in advanced medical technology and equipment to support these expanded services, ensuring patients receive the highest quality of care possible.
These initiatives are designed to enhance patient access, improve the quality of care, and solidify CHI Health Immanuel Hospital’s position as a leading healthcare provider in North Omaha.
A New Family Health Center
The family health center is a key initiative providing expanded primary care services to meet the growing demand. “We just opened a brand new primary care facility on campus in September and actually doubled the capacity,” Ashby shared.
Enhanced Specialty Care
CHI Health Immanuel Hospital is also focusing on enhancing its specialty care services. This includes renovating vacated spaces to accommodate more specialized treatments, such as GI and urology. The goal is to keep patients within the hospital campus, reducing the need for external referrals and ensuring continuity of care.
Maternal Health and Community Support
Ashby revealed that Nebraska scores poorly (“D”) on services for maternal health, saying, “There’s a lot of opportunities, and this is one of those areas where there is disparity.” Differences in maternal health, particularly for African American women, are a pressing issue that demands urgent attention.
In response, CHI Health is expanding care for complex newborn situations to address these disparities and ensure the safety and well-being of mothers and infants. The March of Dimes initiative highlights the hospital’s focus on improving maternal health outcomes.
The Future of Omaha Healthcare
The significance of CHI Health’s commitment to serving the diverse needs of the North Omaha community is evident in its various programs and initiatives. Ongoing efforts to improve maternal health outcomes and expand access to quality care are crucial for the future of Omaha healthcare.
At Omaha Magazine, we are committed to bringing you stories that matter to you and the rest of our growing community. Listen to the entire Omaha Magazine Podcast episode to gain a deeper understanding of the critical issues shaping Omaha's healthcare landscape and the innovative solutions being implemented.
