Welcome to SWNPHD

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) was established by the State of Nebraska on May 14, 2002. It is one of eighteen health districts formed as a result of LB692. The funding for the newly formed health districts came from the tobacco settlement funds. The new health districts, as well as the previously existing county health departments, provide all ninety three counties (in Nebraska) with public health services for the first time in Nebraska history.

SWNPHD serves as a prevention, education, and referral service for individuals and organizations in Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Red Willow and Perkins counties.

SWNPHD opened its office at the Hitchcock County Courthouse in Trenton, Nebraska. It began services with a Director and a Bookkeeper. The need for an Emergency Response Coordinator was filled in February 2005. The office was relocated to McCook in Red Willow County in April 2005. A fulltime Public Health Nurse and Volunteer Coordinator joined the staff in May 2005. Two Health Educators were hired in August 2006. A second office was opened at Imperial in Chase County in December 2006. 

The mission of the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department, in partnership with other entities, is to promote a healthy and secure quality of life for our communities.