NORTH PLATTE, Neb - With the help of a $10,000 grant from the Nebraska Blue Foundation, HOPE Esperanza is expanding its efforts to improve health access and education in the North Platte area.
The grant will support the organization’s HOPE for Health: Empowering Community Wellness program, including the upcoming Community Health Fair scheduled for Friday, July 25, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Mid-Plains Community College’s North Campus. The annual event is expected to serve more than 900 individuals with access to free health screenings, vaccinations, school registration assistance, food and safety resources, and other vital services.
“When we serve diverse populations, breaking down barriers to health and cultural understanding is critical,” said TinaMaria Fernandez, founder and executive director of HOPE Esperanza. “We’re working to remove obstacles like language, transportation and access to care so that everyone has a chance to live a healthy life.”
The Nebraska Blue Foundation’s support will also fund five key areas of HOPE Esperanza’s year-round wellness programming:
- The Positive Impact Program – A monthly initiative encouraging youth physical activity.
- Happy and Well Together – A wellness group for women focusing on social connection, self-care and fitness.
- Vaccine Clinics – Regular immunization events hosted in partnership with the West Central District Health Department.
- Community Gym – A free, open-access fitness center for all North Platte residents.
“The work HOPE Esperanza is doing in North Platte is so important,” said Jay Warren-Teamer, executive director of the Nebraska Blue Foundation. “This grant is a great example of how we can champion health and well-being for communities across Nebraska.”
The Nebraska Blue Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, awarded $300,000 in grants to 20 nonprofits this spring to support preventive care and senior wellness statewide.
More information about HOPE Esperanza and the foundation’s other grant recipients is available at NebraskaBlue.com/Foundation.