By Allison Peck | North Platte Post
North Platte, Neb. - Great Plains Health has released its Community Health Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan for 2026 through 2028, outlining the most significant health challenges facing Lincoln County and the strategies the hospital plans to use to address them. The assessment was completed in partnership with Community Hospital Consulting and approved by Great Plains Health leadership and its board in October 2025.
The report combines public health data, demographic trends, and direct community input to identify priorities that will guide healthcare planning over the next three years. Hospital officials say the assessment is designed to both meet federal nonprofit hospital requirements and provide a roadmap for improving local health outcomes.
Healthcare Workforce Challenges
The assessment identifies the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals as the most pressing issue in the community. Lincoln County continues to face shortages in primary care providers and specialists and remains designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area. Community feedback pointed to long wait times, difficulty securing appointments, limited specialty services, and staff burnout as persistent concerns. The report notes that workforce shortages have a ripple effect, impacting access to care, preventive services, and patient outcomes across the region.
Access to Medical and Dental Care
Limited access to medical and dental care emerged as another major concern. Residents cited cost, insurance coverage, and a lack of providers who accept Medicaid or Medicare as common barriers. Dental care access remains especially challenging, with provider ratios falling below state averages. The report also highlights continued reliance on emergency departments for non-emergency needs, often due to limited after-hours care and gaps in primary care availability.
Chronic Disease and Preventive Health
Chronic disease prevention and health education are key focus areas in the assessment. Lincoln County reports higher rates of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and asthma than Nebraska averages, along with elevated mortality rates from heart disease, cancer, respiratory illnesses, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and unintentional injuries. Preventive care usage, including routine screenings and vaccinations, remains lower than state benchmarks. Community members indicated a need for greater access to health education and clearer information about preventive services.
Housing and Health
The assessment draws a direct connection between housing stability and health outcomes. A significant number of households in Lincoln County spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing, contributing to financial strain and reduced access to healthcare. The report cites aging housing stock and a shortage of affordable housing, with hundreds of homes identified as worn or in poor condition. Community feedback emphasized that housing challenges often worsen physical and mental health concerns.
Mental and Behavioral Health Access
Access to mental and behavioral healthcare remains a significant concern. The report shows Lincoln County has fewer mental health providers per capita than state and national averages. Residents reported higher levels of poor mental health days and identified mental health conditions and substance use as ongoing challenges. Limited local providers, insurance barriers, and long wait times often force residents to seek care outside the community.
Community Input and Data Analysis
The Community Health Needs Assessment was informed by a community survey conducted in spring 2025, along with an extensive review of local, state, and national health data. Population trends show slow or slightly declining growth in the region, adding additional challenges for healthcare access and workforce recruitment. The report also reviews progress made during the previous assessment cycle, identifying areas of improvement and unmet needs.
Implementation Plan and Next Steps
The accompanying implementation plan outlines how Great Plains Health will address each priority through 2028. The plan connects identified needs to measurable objectives, planned activities, and leadership oversight, with an emphasis on tracking progress over time. Hospital leaders say the plan aligns with the organization’s strategic priorities and available resources while remaining flexible to adapt to changing community conditions.
Great Plains Health officials encourage community members to review the assessment and provide feedback as the organization moves forward with implementation.