OneWorld Community Health Centers | EXCHANGE Issue 2, 2025
BEYOND PRESCRIPTIONS AT THE ONEWORLD PHARMACY, PERSONALIZED CARE CHANGES LIVES - AND EARNS HIGH MARKS
FROM OUR CEO
OneWorld has weathered many storms in its history. Each time we emerge from a storm, we show up stronger and with a deepened commitment to our mission to Care for All People. Every person who walks through our doors matters – a truth that emerges through the words and actions of our team members.
CONTENT
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Cancer prevention can start early
In stormy times, how we respond says a lot about who we are. Even in the stormiest times, OneWorld’s teams are on the frontlines every day to make sure our patients get the help they need, as patients and our team’s family members themselves face uncertainty. In today’s environment, our storms include decreases in government funding, threats to Medicaid, changes in attitudes about immigration and how many view the economy. At OneWorld we understand that small daily acts of care and kindness add up to something stronger during the storms. Our 53,000 patients trust and count on us to live our mission and values. It is our calling to assure those who have less that we see, hear, value and care for each and every one – and that their family members can breathe a sigh of relief because their loved one received quality care. Despite the storms, our resolve is powerful as we continue to provide comprehensive primary care and support services throughout Omaha. Babies continue to be born, patients enroll in Medicaid, cavities are filled, diabetics receive their medication, mental wellbeing improves, hypertension subsides, preventive health care and immunizations are provided, and real lives are saved. Our top quality medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, WIC and Learning Community participants thrive. Our doors continue to be open to everyone. That is because you, as a supporter of the OneWorld mission, are part of a courageous movement that acts and inspires. Together, we celebrate our wins and keep our eyes on the blue skies ahead and we continue to build healthier communities. We Care for All People.
reduces stress 7 A clear pathway to better health 8 The secret to high program ratings? 10
Syncing up medications
Protecting pathways to affordable prescription drugs 11
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Providers share memories that made an impact
Celebrate Milagro with us Nov. 20 Save the date for our annual celebration of OneWorld miracles! The Milagro Awards Dinner will be Thursday, Nov. 20, at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha. The theme for this year’s event is “Vision,” because a clear vision enables hope to take shape in our community. Please join us! Learn more at oneworldomaha.org/Milagro.
Andrea M. Skolkin Chief Executive Officer
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Opinion: Community health benefits from Medicaid
Community Health Centers are bright spots in a U.S. health care system that faces challenges. Health centers like OneWorld effectively allocate resources and dollars wisely to achieve positive health outcomes. This happens as we serve as a community hub where patients know they can receive high-quality, compassionate health care and support services. Last year, OneWorld served 53,000 patients from across 90 zip codes in the Omaha metro area – including veterans, seniors, working families, children and people living with disabilities. Across the country, health centers like OneWorld deliver primary and preventive health care to 32.5 million Americans. Our patients include a large share of people who get health insurance through the Medicaid program and who might otherwise struggle to access primary care. This includes more than one in three of OneWorld’s patients. More than simply a health insurer, Medicaid is a lifeline for community health centers, providing a significant amount of revenue to serve more patients – and a remarkable rate of return. Nationwide, health centers provide comprehensive primary and preventive care for 16 million Medicaid patients. We do this at a lower cost than other primary care providers, saving Medicaid $1,400 per adult patient per year and $800 a year for children. A recent study showed that, in 2023, health centers saved Medicaid $38.6 billion by keeping patients healthy, avoiding unnecessary costs, and preventing expensive emergency department visits. Federal proposals to make significant adjustments and reductions in Medicaid spending may jeopardize that investment, with devastating consequences for OneWorld’s patients and millions of others across the country. The impact will be significant. Newly uninsured patients will likely delay or forgo necessary care, leading to more serious health conditions, emergency department visits and higher long-term healthcare costs. This path takes us all farther from – not closer to – a shared vision of healthy, thriving communities.
Lawmakers deliberating changes in Medicaid funding are urged to remember the high-quality primary care that millions of patients – children, seniors and hard- working American families – rely on at health centers and hospitals across our state and country. Medicaid funding that helps health centers care for patients, keep them healthy and prevent chronic disease is one of the smartest investments our nation can make. It is also one of the most effective uses of taxpayer dollars, and one of the best ways to ensure a healthy and prosperous Nebraska.
Study: Community Health Centers save lives A recent study* has confirmed what medical professionals working at community health centers (CHCs) already knew: CHCs save lives. The study examined changes in mortality rates after 350 health centers closed nationwide in 2024. The affected counties experienced an increase of mortality of 3-4 deaths per 100,000 people in the population. The study suggested a link between cancer mortality and health center loss, noting their role in cancer screening. Health centers are vital to individual and community health, thanks to the life-saving impact of accessible primary care. * Sanjay Basu, Robert Phillips & Hank Hoang. Impact of Community Health Center Losses on County-Level Mortality: A Natural Experiment in the United States, 2011–2019, Health Services Research, (May 22, 2025).
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Wellness event at Stephen Center focuses on young people
It takes a village to care for children and youth, and this spring OneWorld teamed up with Stephen Center and Creighton residents and students to provide that extra support. Thanks to a wellness event at Stephen Center, eight young people – ranging in age from 8 to 15 – completed Well-Child Checks. They also received
shots to bring them up to date on immunizations. In addition to children receiving checkups, several adults made plans for medical appointments. Stephen Center is a shelter for individuals to overcome homelessness and addiction. OneWorld has had a clinic at the center since 2022 and offers primary care services.
Cross the Well-Child Check off your list A recent metro-area health needs assessment showed that 8% of children did not have their annual wellness check. These checks help make sure growth and development is on track, while screening for any issues that might not be apparent. Annual checks are also the perfect time to make sure immunizations are current, including the MMR vaccine that protects against measles and the HPV vaccine. To cross this appointment off your to-do list, schedule an appointment by calling or texting (402) 880-4870.
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Cancer prevention can start early
It is important to get every dose of the vaccine for the best protection. Why the HPV vaccine matters The HPV vaccine protects against certain types of cancer caused by HPV, or human papillomavirus. A simple series of shots now can prevent serious illness later in life. That’s because, while many HPV infections clear on their own, others can stick around longer and cause cancer. The vaccine prevents over 90% of cancers caused by HPV. The HPV vaccine is safe The HPV vaccine has been around for more than 15 years, with over 135 million doses given. It is closely studied for safety and effectiveness. Like any vaccine, the HPV vaccine may cause common and mild side effects like soreness or redness around the injection site; dizziness; or nausea. Fainting immediately after a shot is possible and more common among adolescents, so sitting or lying down for 15 minutes immediately after a shot is recommended.
At OneWorld, we strive to prevent serious illness and other health complications whenever possible. Our patients deserve not just access to high-quality preventive care, but also the information they need to make the best choices for themselves. One way to prevent some illnesses is through immunization. The HPV vaccine, for example, is effective against multiple types of cancers. About HPV HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common infection that can spread during intimate skin contact. Almost everyone will get HPV at some point in their lives. When to get the HPV vaccine The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine is recommended at ages 11-12, though children as young as 9 can get vaccinated. That’s because vaccines work best before a person is ever exposed to disease. Young people ages 9-14 need only two doses of the vaccine. If starting the vaccine series at age 15 or later, then three doses are needed.
Schedule their HPV vaccination today If your child is 11-12 years old, now is the perfect time to talk with their provider about scheduling their HPV vaccine series. Older or younger? That’s OK, too – their provider will be happy to discuss options! To schedule an appointment or ask a question, call (402) 734-4110.
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Feature Pharmacy
Syncing up medications reduces stress, improves outcomes
Let’s say you have five medications you take each day. Each month you need to refill your prescription, but your refills are due at different times. Next week, it’s a diabetes medication; the week after, for high cholesterol. All those trips to the pharmacy can be difficult – especially when busy work schedules or transportation barriers enter the picture, too. The Medication Synchronization program, or Med Sync, helps solve these challenges that sometimes come between patients and their health. With Med Sync, OneWorld pharmacists align patients’ prescriptions to a single pickup once every month or so. This streamlined service allows pharmacists to spend more time talking with patients or discussing other service offerings, like the mail order or pill packaging programs. “This is for them to make it easier to pick up their prescriptions every time, and know that we’re here for them,” said Pharmacy Technician Enrique Marquez. Med Sync is free and available for patients regardless of their insurance status. To be eligible, patients must be on two or more medications for chronic conditions. “We basically take care of their medications,” Marquez said. “We make sure that they have enough refills. We see if they need to make an appointment with the provider and let them know [they are] up for an appointment … Sometimes medications are discontinued so we try to give them the medication that’s up to date and make sure they’re taking the dose that the provider prescribed them.”
It is an appealing program. From the end of 2023 to the end of 2024, the pharmacy enrolled 509 patients in Med Sync, bringing the total to 1,563 patients. OneWorld employees help educate patients about the program. For example, customer support representatives learn about medications and other eligibility requirements, so they can have conversations with patients who might benefit from Med Sync. One goal of the conversation? Help relieve the patient’s stress by letting them know OneWorld has their back. That support matters for patients with multiple chronic conditions. The OneWorld Pharmacy team is dedicated to helping patients take the right medications at the right times, so patients are empowered and supported in becoming the healthiest version of themselves.
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This is for them to make it easier to pick up their prescriptions every time, and know that we’re here for them.” Enrique Marquez Pharmacy Technician
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Feature Pharmacy
What’s in the box? A clear pathway to better health
Leo* was on track with his diabetes medication at first. But after a few months, the OneWorld Pharmacy didn’t hear from him. He stopped refilling his prescription. He stopped returning calls. Pharmacy staff did not know what happened, but they took notice of his absence. When Leo next saw his provider, he was struggling. His A1C, which measures blood sugar levels over the past two to three months, was at a dangerously high 15.3. His provider alerted the pharmacy. It was time to change tactics. Leo needed a different solution to help manage his medications and ease confusion – which would then free him up to focus on other aspects of his health.
Fortunately, the OneWorld Pharmacy has a program for patients like Leo. It’s called the Medication Unit-dose Packaging Program, and it is a highly customized service that helps patients better understand which medication to take and when. “Taking meds consistently makes a big difference. But also, less worrying about medications means more time to think about what they’re eating,” said Pharmacist Elizabeth Marquez, who heads up the program. “And as there starts to be some progress, patients gain momentum and might consider beginning to exercise. Those changes together can result in much improved outcomes.” Participants in the Medication Unit-dose Packaging Program receive their medications
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packaged according to a personalized dosing schedule, with medications grouped into pouches that are to be used at designated times. Sometimes it’s referred to as the PASS Program, named after the robot that helps pharmacists package drugs correctly. Marquez makes it sound easy, because that is how the service should feel for patients.
me. It really eliminates any doubt about what the intention is and what the correct way to use [each medication].” Currently, about 120 patients participate in PASS. More are in the process of being added, while still others are on the list for future enrollment. Setting up patients takes time – but the results are worth it. After Leo re-committed to taking his medications as prescribed, the PASS program helped him stay on track and in communication with his providers. He was also able to dedicate more attention to other lifestyle changes to improve his health. At last check, his A1C had dropped to 7.3. “With some patients, it’s really easy,” Marquez said. “For some, all it takes is someone being on their side – looking out for them and simplifying it. Then things really fall into place.”
Elizabeth Marquez Pharmacist
It’s more complicated on the pharmacy side. First, staff need to determine the eligibility of patients. Program participants must use OneWorld providers, be committed to taking their medications as prescribed, and have their prescriptions synchronized through the Med Sync program. Since the PASS Program was implemented in 2021, pharmacists have fine-tuned the process as they learned more about how patients use it. Key to the success of the program? Communication and commitment. In the early days of the program, pharmacists noticed that patients sometimes became confused about when to open each packaged dose. Occasionally, patients returned to the pharmacy having skipped packages, or emptying pills loose into the medication box. Marquez said a consultation appointment, paired with a contract that holds the patient and pharmacy accountable to each other, is now part of the process. At the consultation, Marquez said she and the patient open the box and go through its contents in detail, to ensure understanding of the correct dosing schedule and use of individual pouches. “It makes it more serious, it helps them to realize that this is something completely different from filling their meds in the normal flow of the pharmacy,” she said. “It gives us a chance to have some face-to-face interaction and build that rapport, so that they know they can trust
* Name has been changed.
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Feature Pharmacy
The secret to high program ratings? Building trust with patients
Navigating the medications used to treat multiple chronic illnesses can be difficult, but taking them correctly is key to the best possible health outcomes. The Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program at the OneWorld Pharmacy helps patients navigate such challenges. OneWorld receives high marks for its MTM program, including a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Part of this success is owed to the trust patients build with pharmacists like Alyssa Tello, who leads the program at OneWorld.
The second goal includes targeted intervention programs, or TIPs, for a specific medication or disease state - essentially patient education and counseling. Tello said TIPs help troubleshoot barriers to taking a drug as prescribed, like side effects, missed or incorrect doses, financial challenges and understanding how each medication works. Insurance plans can set their own eligibility criteria for MTM, but many of OneWorld’s patients are eligible due to their enrollment in certain Medicare or Medicaid programs. They also must be on multiple medications for certain chronic illnesses and exceed a minimum for out-of-pocket costs. Another program, the Medication Assistance Treatment (MAT) program at OneWorld combines behavioral health therapy with medications to treat substance use disorders. Typically, the MAT program is used to treat people who are addicted to opioids like heroin and prescription pain relievers. It can also be used to treat people with alcohol use disorders and smoking addictions. Prescribed medications help block the euphoric effects of such substances, while reducing cravings and normalizing body functions. Coupling prescription medications with behavioral health therapy can help sustain recovery. The goal of MAT is to help each patient make a full recovery and live an empowered, self-directed life.
“I feel like patients, when they talk with us as pharmacists, they get that sense of, we’re doing everything we can to help them, that we have their back,” Tello said. At OneWorld, MTM has two main goals: comprehensive medication reviews and targeted intervention programs.
Alyssa Tello Pharmacist
For patients, the former looks like an in-depth conversation about the medications they take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements. “It’s a good landing spot to bring patients and everybody else onto the same page, because there’s often misunderstandings … of what patients should be doing and what they’re actually taking or not actually taking,” Tello said.
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Protecting pathways to affordable prescription drugs
Multiple pathways exist to keep medications affordable for OneWorld patients. That matters because access to prescription drugs is fundamental to the health of our communities, and essential in making sure people can work and care for their families. One pathway to affordability is the 340B Drug Discount Program, a federal program that helps health care providers like OneWorld, buy from participating drug manufacturers at a discount. Only patients of the health center may receive the benefit of the buying program. “All seven health centers in Nebraska participate in the 340B program and every center, even OneWorld, relies on contract pharmacies to support access for our patients, so that they may obtain their medications in their neighborhood,” said OneWorld CEO Andrea Skolkin during a legislative hearing. “The 340B program is critical to protecting access to medication for low-income Nebraskans, especially in rural communities.” Skolkin spoke on behalf of the Nebraska Health Care Association to members of the Nebraska
Legislature this spring, while supporting a bill (LB 168) to protect the integrity of the 340B program. The bill, which passed, protects a pharmacy’s ability to contract with a health center without interference from drug companies – and protects patients’ access to affordable drugs. The 340B program does not receive government funding; instead, the program requires drug manufacturers that participate in the Medicaid program to sell certain medications at a discount. That savings helps health care providers extend their own services. “Federal law mandates that health centers like OneWorld reinvest every dollar of 340B savings into programming that supports our health centers. At OneWorld, 340B savings supports the medical, dental and behavioral health care services we deliver to our 53,000 patients,” Skolkin said. The 340B program was created in 1992 as part of the Veterans Health Care Act. It is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In pharmacy deserts, community health centers serve as an oasis
Access to essential medication is not about affordability. Sometimes it’s about whether a pharmacy exists nearby. Nationwide pharmacy closures have created a growing number of pharmacy deserts, defined as low-income census tracts with low physical access to pharmacies. In Douglas County, 14 census tracts are considered pharmacy deserts, according to a 2024 study. Many, but not all, pharmacy
deserts in the study were in North and South Omaha. The study predated the closure of the South Omaha Walgreens that served many community members. As pharmacy deserts grow, community health centers – and pharmacies like OneWorld’s – become increasingly integral to patients and the broader community. All community members, regardless of patient status, are welcome to use the OneWorld Pharmacy.
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Pharmacy Director Coleen Schrage connected with OneWorld in 2007, when she started at Hope Pharmacy as a staff pharmacist. Hope Pharmacy was OneWorld’s contract pharmacy until it officially became part of OneWorld in 2009. Since then, Schrage has directed the pharmacy as daily prescriptions more than quadrupled, through expansions and remodels, and through an ever- changing policy and technological landscape. Four Questions with the Pharmacy Director
How do you describe the difference between a community-based pharmacy like OneWorld’s and a retail pharmacy?
In your time at OneWorld, what are some things that you are most proud of, that the pharmacy has done or been able to achieve? When I look back, I’m just in amazement on the growth that we went through. When I started at OneWorld in 2007 I remember a record day of 300 prescriptions. Today’s record is over 1,200. That is a sense of pride growing the pharmacy to that level. I am also proud of all the technology and adherence programs that we started over the years. The pharmacy has been recognized by third party payers by achieving 5-star rating (outstanding) in adherence measures for the past four years. Alyssa Tello [represented] the OneWorld Pharmacy on a discussion panel in Las Vegas in July for Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services. We were chosen to present because they recognize that the OneWorld Pharmacy does such a great job with our MTM program. Anything else you’d like to add? I’m just proud of my team. … Each patient that comes in, I think every team in the pharmacy has impacted or touched those patients one way or the other because it’s not just a one-person thing. It’s such a huge team effort on a daily basis, from opening to closing, to get this done. Everybody needs to show up.
There’s a path to affordability of medications at a community health center. The other big difference besides accessibility is patient care.
You’re really taking care of the whole patient. … And we’ve been afforded the time to be able to do that and meet and coach our patients. There are really stark differences. We work with a great medical team as well. If something is up, we have a direct line to talk to our medical providers. We can just call upstairs because they are very patient oriented as well, and they want their patient taken care of. What has been your approach when guiding the pharmacy through its growth periods so far? Part of it is looking at needs and strategic planning and trying to figure out what does this look like? You look at patterns, you look at where we are going to be in a year. What is the growth looking like? You coordinate with medical teams and the medical directors at the time [and ask them], “What are your plans moving forward?” I also look at the best practices among other pharmacies and work to implement those within our pharmacy. Coleen Schrage Pharmacy Director
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Mission Moments: Providers share memories that made an impact
Thoughtful screening, compassionate care
For a patient with a history of good health, there was no cause for alarm during an annual checkup with Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner Jamie Shaw. But routine screening labs revealed abnormal results – leading to further tests and an unexpected diagnosis of blood cancer. “Jamie demonstrated not only clinical expertise but also immense empathy,” said Associate Director of Nursing Tania Murrell. “She provided the patient with … a clear packet of resources to guide her conversation with her family. The patient was reassured, knowing that OneWorld had her back during this difficult and life-changing time.”
The school-based care model benefits not just students, but whole family systems. Advanced Practice RN Shaylee Laursen had been following a student at her school with behavioral health concerns. The patient’s parent grew frustrated after multiple school meetings, coupled with transportation barriers, led to job loss. Laursen brought the patient and parent together: “We came up with a treatment plan to aid the behavioral concerns, while also working with the school social worker to help with transportation barriers for picking up medications.” They also addressed food concerns. Collaborating on whole-family needs
At another school, a teen who was experiencing self-harm and suicidal thoughts confided in a friend. The friend – doing the right thing – advised the teen to talk to an adult at school. While the initial adult was unable to help, the teen later met with School-Based Health Center Behavioral Health Therapist, Kevin Heeb. He arranged crisis care because he believed the patient was in immediate danger of suicide. “If we weren’t here … that probably would have happened. Just saving one life makes everything we do worth it,” he said. A just-in-time intervention
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OneWorld teams connect over beautification project
As temperatures warmed and OneWorld’s outdoor spaces turned green, employees volunteered during their lunch breaks for a weeklong spring cleanup. Members of the Engaged Employee Collaborative organized the “Keep OneWorld Beautiful” event. Each day during the initiative, employees gathered at OneWorld clinic locations across the metro area to pick up litter and plant flowers. Employees used the opportunity to make an impact and connect with each other. “I think that taking the time to be active in cleaning up our space shows the community and our patients that we are proud of working at OneWorld. There is
pride in making a shared space beautiful and that reflects back to the patients that we serve,” said Diana Bruguera Diaz, Clinical Services Manager-Women’s Health Center, and member of the collaborative. The group of employees meet regularly to learn, grow and cultivate inspiration. Members take action on projects that are meaningful to them, while supporting each other and all OneWorld employees. This project was made possible in part by Keep Omaha Beautiful, a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental and community stewardship. The organization contributed gloves, grab sticks, trash bags and other supplies.
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JOIN OUR TEAM
When you work with us, we’ll take care of you
While our greatest gift is helping patients, growing your career is our joy. If you feel called to serve the community and want to work in an energizing, professional environment, we invite you to explore careers at OneWorld.
Benefits: • Health, dental and vision insurance • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) • Health Savings accounts (HSAs) • Retirement plan with employer match • Paid holidays, sick leave and bereavement leave • Tuition reimbursement and professional development
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4920 S. 30 th St., Ste. 103 Omaha, NE 68107 (402) 734-4110 oneworldomaha.org
Erik Servellon Development and Communications Director eservellon@oneworldomaha.org If you no longer wish to receive information about OneWorld Community Health Centers, please contact Erik Servellon, Development and Communications Director.
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