New health district office opens in Ogallala

    Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department celebrated Public Health Week and its employees last week during the Public Health Association of Nebraska annual conference.
 “National Public Health Week reminds Nebraskans to live healthier lives. Public health has three key messages:  promote, protect and prevent. Promote healthy behaviors. Protect your health. Prevent chronic diseases and injuries,” said Myra Stoney, SWNPHD Director.  
    “During National Public Health Week, we celebrate our work and educate the public about the role of public health officials.”
    The week’s observance was April 4-10.
 In southwest Nebraska public health activities are being accomplished at three office locations: the main office in McCook, a satellite office in Imperial and a new Ogallala office located at 314 West 1st Street in the west end of the ESU 16 office.
 “We are excited to offer COVID testing and vaccinations at our Ogallala office,” said Lori Rowley, RN, Program Manager for the Ogallala office.  
    “We have two types of rapid Covid tests, QuickVue antigen tests and Accula PCR tests, that can be used for travel or treatment. Covid vaccines are available for those 12 years and older. We can also do blood pressure checks and educational presentations for community groups that are interested in promoting healthy lifestyles,” Rowley said.
 The same antigen and PCR COVID testing is available at the SWNPHD McCook office, as well.  
    Antigen tests look for cells in the body that are used to fight a SARS-CoV-2 infection and are used most often when a person has symptoms of COVID-19.
    PCR tests look for the presence of the virus itself in the body and are more accurate for a person who does not currently have symptoms, she added.
    Health insurance or private pay is required for this testing. Free home test kits are also available at both locations.