OneWorld Community Health Centers EXCHANGE Issue 2, 2026 LIGHTING THE WAY IN CARE
FROM OUR CEO
Looking back to look ahead
The Exchange 2026, Issue 2
This season finds OneWorld reflecting on the immediate past as well as a South Omaha legacy. Our new 2025 Annual Report encourages us to take stock
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS STAFF
Development and Communications Director Erik Servellon
Associate Director of Communications Corey Oldenhuis
of last year’s accomplishments, while a recent event celebrated the centennial anniversary of our organizational home. Yet we cannot look back without looking forward. As a proud steward of the Livestock Exchange Building, we operate out of an Omaha landmark that represents resilience and adaptation. These grounds have been the setting for countless stories over the past 100 years, with many more stories to unfold in the years ahead. OneWorld is committed to helping shape stories of health and well- being, even in times of change. This theme of “Lighting the Way” underscores our annual report. While the path ahead changes, our purpose remains the same. Together, we adapt, advocate and continue to ensure access to the compassionate, high-quality care our community depends on. Thank you for being part of OneWorld’s past, present and future.
Communications Generalist Ximena Anguiano Cortes
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 4 5 6 8 9 Annual report: Lighting the way Investing in employee development A trusted presence when a life is on the line Above: You got this, buddy! Kids and adults enjoyed a fun morning of physical activity and well-being during Nebraska WIC’s Toddler Trot this summer. The event, held at Elmwood Park, featured exercise, reading, health tips and more. Community sponsors included Whispering Roots, Omaha Public Library, Omaha Kroc Center, YMCA of Greater Omaha, UnitedHealthcare, Molina Healthcare of Nebraska, Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties, OneWorld Dental, Lead Prevention Program, PRAMS, Douglas County Breastfeeding Peer Support and Colors the Clown.
Content Strategist Melissa Breazile
Visual and Digital Communications Specialist Alonso Castillo
A South Omaha icon turns 100 Welcoming the future generation As temps increase, so does risk Dedicated to children's health Supplies offer peace of mind. Period. OneWorld in Focus
10 12 14 15
Above: OneWorld employees recently gathered for a summer picnic while meeting with area organizations about volunteer opportunities. It was a great way to connect with co-workers and other community changemakers. Below: The Livestock Exchange Building, home to OneWorld headquarters, turned 100 years old this year. The Omaha City Council proclaimed May 28, 2026, as Livestock Exchange Building Centennial Day in observance of the milestone anniversary and the enduring legacy of the “Heart of the Magic City.”
Andrea M. Skolkin Chief Executive Officer
2
3
EXCHANGE | ISSUE 2 2026
ISSUE 2 2026 | EXCHANGE
Patients in 2025 by % FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL with known income
11%
14%
52%
Unique Patients 51,643 166,366 Total Visits
23%
Over 200% 151 - 200%
101 - 150% 100% and Below
Leadership Academy sets employees up for success OneWorld Leadership Academy graduates are, from left: Jacob Hoffman, Payroll Accountant; Crystal Tapia Ozuna, Patient Financial Advocate; Katherine Barcenas, Operations Specialist Lead; Cody Thorson, PA-C, Lead Clinician; Alonso Castillo, Visual and Digital Communications Specialist; Cruz Cabrera, Family Engagement Manager; and Arisbe Rodriguez, Lead Medical Records Technician. Not pictured is Angiie Ursino, Health Assistant V. Eight employees demonstrated their commitment to personal growth and leadership when they graduated from this year’s OneWorld Leadership Academy. This intensive 13-week program supports employees in meeting the vision and future growth of OneWorld. Leadership Academy is joined by two new leadership initiatives this year; all three initiatives are rooted in OneWorld’s commitment to employee development. According to Training & Organizational Development Manager Kristen Schuling, M.S.Ed, leadership programs increase employee engagement, build organizational strength and support succession planning. “Taking the time to invest in leadership development programs today sets our future leaders up for success tomorrow,” Schuling said. The longest running program of its kind at OneWorld, Leadership Academy was established in 2011. Participants meet weekly and learn skills like strategic planning, goal setting, performance management and more. Outside the classroom they meet with a mentor and work on a capstone project. According to Schuling, "The hope is that employees that are taking part in these opportunities today are learning valuable skills that they can put into practice now, so that when an opportunity for leadership arises, they have the foundational skill set already in use and feel prepared to step into a leadership role."
Patients in 2025 by RACE & ETHNICITY
3% 1% 2%
7%
Lighting the way for patients, employees and the future of care
14%
Male 43.7%
Female 56.3%
73%
E ach of OneWorld's 51,643 patients counted on us last year to deliver high quality, compassionate health care and supportive services. In our 2025 Annual Report, we share the year's achievements in three key areas: enhanc- ing access to quality health care, workforce development and strategic planning. A summary of the report follows. Access to quality health care OneWorld is committed to reducing geographical, financial and other barriers to care. Highlights in 2025 included: • Breaking ground on the future OneWorld Health Care Workforce Development Center • Establishing our first School-Based Health Center (SBHC) to serve Westside Community Schools • Opening a satellite location of the Learning Community Center of South Omaha • Completing a record number of treatment plans at the pediatric dental clinic, and an all-time high number of visits across all dental clinics. • Growing women’s health services and adding pediatric wellness days at the Stephen Center clinic • Advocating in the state legislature to protect patient access to lower-cost drugs
individual growth, organizational strength, improved service delivery and economic impact. Highlights included: • Launching the Emerging Leaders Employee Resource Group and a mentorship program • Celebrating the graduation of eight Leadership Academy participants • Supporting training for medical assistants to earn advanced certification • Introducing the inaugural OneWorld Values Awards Strategic planning Clear strategy helps illuminate a path forward. OneWorld completed action steps under the prior strategic plan and created a new plan through 2030. Objectives are to: • Strengthen capacity to meet growing community needs • Harness technology to enhance the patient and employee experience • Enhance the perception of OneWorld across the metro • Expand our array of services to facilitate access to comprehensive primary care We share these accomplishments to shine a light on the wins the OneWorld community has made possible – and to affirm our commitment to a continuing bold vision. Review the Annual Report at https://owchc.info/2025AR.
Caucasian / White (14%) Hispanic / Latino (73%) Asian American (3%) African American (7%)
Other (2%) Native Hawaiian & Am. Indian (1%)
Patients in 2025 by PAYER
3%
23%
37%
37%
Medicaid None/Uninsured Medicare Private Insurance
Workforce development Success in workforce development reveals itself in
4
5
EXCHANGE | ISSUE 2 2026
ISSUE 2 2026 | EXCHANGE
“The call went out, and a lot of us ran over because that's what we do,” said Associate Medical Director of Family Medicine Alex Dworak, MD. “And it was a good thing because there was a person who was having chest pain and shortness of breath.” While it’s not unusual for providers to be summoned for patients who have lost consciousness, acute life-or-death situations at OneWorld are rare. Quick Sick is for urgent care needs – not for emergencies.
Still not out of danger, the patient coded one more time at the hospital. Fortunately, the insertion of a stent in his blocked right coronary artery reopened blood flow to his heart.
He survived.
One of the keys to success in the story, is preparedness. Bangert’s Quick Sick team – beginning with front desk staff – practices scenarios and has protocols in place to
recognize high-risk situations. For example, the Quick Sick team and other OneWorld departments immediately send patients back for EKGs if certain symptoms are present. “The team dynamic within OneWorld of making sure that the front desk to health assistants to everyone involved in the process
“
But on this day, for this patient, there was one clear choice for care. “That was the place where he felt safe and could go, and that was likely the closest place,” said Family Medicine Physician Melanie Menning, MD, MPH, who responded to the Code Blue.
That was the place where he felt safe and could go, and that was likely the closest place."
Melanie Menning, MD, MPH, Family Medicine Physician
OneWorld’s location offers crucial geographical access to care in the heart of South Omaha. It is also a trusted resource in the community. If someone doesn’t know where to go for help, OneWorld is known as a safe place to ask. Back at Quick Sick, responding providers felt for a pulse from the patient; not finding one, they began CPR. Meanwhile, an AED machine – already prepared by Quick Sick staff – recognized a shockable rhythm in the patient’s heart. “So we were able to shock him and do another round of compressions,” said Dr. Menning. “Then he got a pulse back and began responding to questions. He was still pretty out of it but able to at least acknowledge that he knew where he was and what was going on.” A rescue squad had arrived by this time, as someone called 911 from the start. With the patient’s heart rhythm back, OneWorld provided handoff to the EMTs, who then transported him to Nebraska Medical Center.
can recognize potentially dangerous situations and immediately act, I think, is a big key part of this,” said Dr. Menning. Building on OneWorld’s wealth of experience, Dr. Menning also currently practices in a hospital setting where she responds to many Code Blues; Dr. Dworak has similar past experience. The OneWorld team’s responsiveness and care made an impression. Weeks after his life was saved, the patient and his family returned to Quick Sick to give out hugs and say thank you.
A trusted community presence when a life is on the line Life-or-death situations aren't an everyday occurrence at OneWorld. But when a patient arrived with chest pain, rapid response from staff and providers proved he came to the right place.
To Dr. Menning, OneWorld was uniquely positioned to help.
I t was a hot spring day when the patient walked into the Quick Sick Clinic at OneWorld. He had been working outside for hours and felt dehydrated. When he mentioned chest pressure to the front desk staffer, she recognized a potential problem.
Immediately, she took the man back to an exam room, where he was quickly seen by Associate Medical Director of Quick Sick Clinic Vickie Bangert, MPAS, PA-C. Bangert had just started an EKG when the man became unresponsive – prompting her to call a Code Blue.
“The story could have been very different, very easily,” she said. “Having that presence in the community where we’re trusted [means] he came, he had access. He could get in.”
6
7
EXCHANGE | ISSUE 2 2026
ISSUE 2 2026 | EXCHANGE
Giving the future generation a welcoming start
As the OneWorld community celebrated a historic occasion, they also looked forward to the future. The “Look Back, Give Back”
event marked the culmination of the annual Onesies for OneWorld
drive, which supports the OneWorld Baby Boutique.
Guests and other supporters donated funds and physical items to provide over 600 families with newborn essentials.
A South Omaha icon turns 100 T he home of OneWorld Community Historic photos of the Livestock Exchange Building offered "Look Back, Give Back" event guests a look back in time.
“The generosity our community showed through the Onesies
for OneWorld drive is a testament to the spirit of
“The Livestock Exchange Building has been our organizational home since 2005, and we are proud to be stewards of this historic building in its centennial year,” said OneWorld CEO Andrea Skolkin. LSX was once the heart of a booming livestock industry. But when the industry declined, the building fell into disuse. OneWorld’s arrival, following building renovation, marked a new chapter of continued investment in the South Omaha landmark.
OneWorld is a modern steward of the Livestock Exchange Building, offering a bright future for the health of the building and those who pass through its doors.
giving Omaha is known for,” said OneWorld Development and Communications Director Erik Servellon. “The new and expecting moms we serve through our Baby Boutique will undoubtedly feel that support.” Expectant and new parents who attend prenatal, postpartum or newborn appointments at OneWorld are eligible to access OneWorld’s Baby Boutique.
Health Centers turned 100 years old this year, an occasion that called for a party. At “Look Back, Give Back,” community members celebrated the historic Livestock Exchange (LSX) Building while supporting the OneWorld Baby Boutique. Guests gathered in the LSX ballrooms for an open house, an historic photo exhibit and remarks from OneWorld and community leaders.
Top: A crowd gathers for the “Look Back, Give Back” program, which included remarks from OneWorld leadership and a proclamation by the city. Bottom left: Guests mingle during the open house. Bottom right: OneWorld Development and Communications Director Erik Servellon offers remarks.
LSX TIMELINE: From commerce center to health care home
1883
1926
1940s-50s
1955
1970s
1999
2005
2010s
2026
2025
The livestock industry shifts, and activity at LSX begins to wane.
Six Omaha businessmen and one Wyoming cattleman join forces to found Union Stockyards Co. of Omaha and acquire land to create a livestock market.
OneWorld breaks ground for a fourth LSX campus building. It will include a workforce training center, clinical space and an early childhood center.
Omaha overtakes its rival Chicago for bragging rights to the largest stockyard in the country.
The LSX campus expands as OneWorld builds north and south towers to house more clinical space.
Construction of the new Livestock Exchange Building (LSX) is completed by Kiewit and Sons. It was designed by architect George Prinz.
In LSX's heyday, over 1,000 people visit daily for livestock business and for the clothing store, bakery, soda fountain, telegram and telephone offices.
Public-private renovation is completed. OneWorld moves into the first floors of LSX, transforming the site into a health care hub for South Omaha.
Omaha’s stockyards close. LSX is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The OneWorld community celebrates the centennial anniversary of LSX.
8
9
EXCHANGE | ISSUE 2 2026
ISSUE 2 2026 | EXCHANGE
LIGHTING THE WAY
As temps increase, so does risk Extreme heat is on the rise, but some people are at higher risk of heat illness. Know how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
This summer’s temperatures are on track to be hotter than average in Nebraska. That’s important because extreme heat creates dangerous conditions for everyone. Yet some people are at increased risk due to health factors, housing, jobs or even location within the city. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the risk of heat illness. You can take actions to protect yourself and others, and you can know the symptoms of heat illness to watch for. Understanding heat illness Heat illness happens when heat and humidity outpace the body’s ability to cool itself. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are all forms of heat illness. Symptoms can include excessive sweating; feeling very tired and weak; or feeling dizzy, lightheaded or nauseated. Chest pain, severe shortness of breath or confusion are all signs to call 911. As of mid-summer, there were two specifically heat-related triage calls to OneWorld, according to Associate Director of Nursing Tania Lopez Murrell, MSN, RN, AMB-BC. While that’s reassuringly low, she said, there has been a significant increase in symptoms that are associated with heat exposure and dehydration. “So while we're not seeing a large number of calls specifically labeled as heat illness, we are definitely seeing many of the downstream effects of the heat,” said Murrell. Rising temperatures, rising risk The stakes are high, as heat illness is a leading cause of weather-related deaths, according to the National Integrated Heat Health Information System. Outdoor workers, children, older adults, pregnant people and those with chronic illnesses are at higher risk, and so is anyone who doesn’t have air conditioning.
Nebraskans are experiencing hotter and hotter temperatures each year. According to the Nebraska State Climate Office, this June marked the seventh June in a row with above- average temperatures, and this June was the 15th consecutive month with temperatures topping the 20th century average. The impacts of extreme heat aren’t spread out evenly. For example, urban areas with more pavement are hotter than areas with high tree cover and other vegetation. In Omaha, that difference is evident in east Omaha, where some highly paved areas are estimated to contribute to “heat island” effects. Protecting yourself and your family As exposure to extreme heat increases, knowing how to care for yourself and others can help protect against heat illness. Drinking enough water is crucial because hydration helps you sweat and cool your body. “Hydrate early and hydrate often,” said Murrell. “Don't wait until you feel thirsty. Staying ahead of dehydration is much easier than trying to recover from it.” If someone does begin experiencing symptoms of heat illness, move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area, elevate their legs if they're feeling faint, encourage fluids if they are alert and able to drink, and call for help. If there is any confusion, loss of consciousness, chest pain, severe shortness of breath or concern for heat stroke, call 911 immediately. This summer and beyond, your and your loved ones' health can be impacted by extreme heat. While not all heat exposure can be avoided, there are ways to protect against heat illness. Knowing the symptoms and recognizing an emergency when it happens can save a life.
Tips to prevent heat illness
Sources National Integrated Heat Health Information System , Heat Safety, https:// heat.gov/heat-safety/ Nebraska State Climate Office , June 2026 Monthly Climate Summary, https://nsco. unl.edu/news/june-2026-monthly-climate- summary/ Nebraska State Climate Office , Record Highs Increasingly Common, https://nsco. unl.edu/news/record-highs-increasingly- common/ Pale Blue Dot , Omaha Climate Action and Resilience Plan: Ground Cover, Heat Island and Carbon Sequestration Study, https://view.publitas.com/palebluedot/city- of-omaha-ground-cover-heat-island-and- carbon-sequestration-study/page/1 • Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, even before feeling thirsty. • Monitor urine color. Dark yellow urine can be a sign of dehydration. • Take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning during hot weather. • Wear lightweight clothing and change out of wet clothing when possible. • Reduce strenuous outdoor ac- tivity during the hottest parts of the day. • Pay attention to symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, excessive fatigue or muscle cramps. • Seek a cooler environment and increase fluid intake if symptoms develop.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 | 5 P.M. LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE BUILDING 4910 S. 30TH STREET OMAHA, NE 68107 2026 MILAGRO Awards Dinner
For more information, please scan the QR code or visit https://owchc.info/Milagro2026
10
11
EXCHANGE | ISSUE 2 2026
ISSUE 2 2026 | EXCHANGE
STAFF IN THE SPOTLIGHT
David Finken, MD, is a pediatrician at the Northwest Clinic, having joined OneWorld in 2024. He brings with him 25 years of experience as a general pediatrician. Dr. Finken said he was drawn to OneWorld because of its care for employees and its dedication to providing high quality care to all people in the community. “I personally am so very grateful to work at OneWorld,” said Dr. Finken. “It is a great organization with a wonderful mission, fulfilled by awesome people. I am continually amazed by the people who work at OneWorld.” Dr. Finken earned his bachelor’s degree from Creighton University and his Doctor of Medicine from University of Nebraska Medical Center. He completed his residency in pediatrics in a joint program between both universities. Prior to joining OneWorld, his experience as a general pediatrician at UNMC included inpatient and outpatient care. He also was involved in medical student and pediatric resident education in this role. Outside of work, Dr. Finken loves to make people happy through good food, including by baking pies from scratch. He enjoys gardening and has a goal of biking on his fat bike at least one day each week through all kinds of weather. He speaks highly of his family, which includes his wife Laura and adult daughters Emma and Claire. * * * Suffering from allergies and asthma as a child sparked an early interest in medicine; now a pediatrician, Jill S. Reel, MD, helps the younger generation with their own health care needs. Dr. Reel is grateful for new allergy and asthma treatments that have been developed, so that kids today don’t have to suffer the way she did. But no matter the type of care she’s providing, Dr. Reel loves being a pediatrician at OneWorld Northwest Clinic. “We have a hard-working, knowledgeable and fun staff! I am motivated to work here also because of the awesome Dedicated to children's health For the Northwest Clinic pediatricians, mission is at the heart of quality care.
When you work with us, we’ll take care of you
patients that take their health and their children’s health seriously,” said Dr. Reel. Having joined OneWorld in 2025, Dr. Reel brings extensive experience practicing pediatrics at hospitals and health centers in and around Omaha. She is board certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics, certified in Basic Life Support, and a member of the Metro Omaha Medical Society and the Nebraska Medical Association. Dr. Reel graduated from University of Nebraska at Lincoln, attended University of Nebraska Medical Center, completed her pediatric residency at University of Nebraska Medical Center/Creighton University Medical Center Combined program and was the Chief Resident of Children’s Hospital. When not caring for patients, Dr. Reel enjoys listening to audiobooks, traveling and spending time with her family.
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
bit.ly/4iScxlb
12
13
EXCHANGE | ISSUE 2 2026
ISSUE 1 2026 | EXCHANGE
ONEWORLD IN FOCUS
COMMUNITY PARTNER IN THE SPOTLIGHT
“
We are working to destigmatize
periods, advocate for change and engage in conversations that create more visibility around menstruation. Period poverty can only be eradicated if we can talk openly about periods and the people who have them.” Kristin Lowrey, Access Period Executive Director
Esmirna Salinas Cruceno, OneWorld Clinical Services Manager, is next to an Access Point.
Supplies offer peace of mind. Period. Access Period is an Omaha-based nonprofit that serves people who need menstrual products. Nearly all period supplies are distributed through partners like OneWorld.
“This is great, period products are so expensive lately.”
OneWorld, they can also talk with a trusted provider if they're experiencing any concerns.” The need for period products continues to rise across the community. Lowrey said her organization distributes about 6,000 period products a day, which includes items like pads, tampons, period underwear and menstrual cups. Salinas Cruceno knows that Access Period makes a difference, helping people who may otherwise have to choose between putting food on the table and buying period products. She said that anyone, patient or not, can pick up supplies from an Access Point. Said Salinas Cruceno: “Being an Access Point has allowed people in the community to continue their activities of daily living, such as school or work, because they have access to these free period products.” Learn more about Access Period and how to help at www.accessperiod.com.
That’s just one common expression of relief that OneWorld Clinical Services Manager Esmirna Salinas Cruceno has heard from community members who access free period products around OneWorld, thanks to Access Period. The Omaha-based nonprofit organization has partnered with OneWorld since 2023, when Associate Director of Operations Idania Ramirez reached out to Access Period about a partnership. Now, OneWorld hosts Access Points at both Teen and Young Adult Health Centers, serves as a community partner through the Social Services team and distributes period products at the school-based health centers.
But Access Period goes beyond handing out supplies.
¡Vive tu vida! Get Up! Get Moving! Over 1,000 people participated in OneWorld's annual ¡Vive tu vida! Get Up! Get Moving! , the premier Hispanic family physical activity and healthy lifestyle event. It was made possible by the National Alliance for Hispanic Health and Healthy Americas Foundation, many local sponsors and OneWorld volunteers.
“One of the biggest needs surrounding menstrual health is access to education about periods,” said Kristin Lowrey, Executive Director of Access Period. “We know that when people receive supplies from
14
15
EXCHANGE | ISSUE 2 2026
ISSUE 2 2026 | EXCHANGE
NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID OMAHA, NE PERMIT NO. 432
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.
Your support is life changing.
bit.ly/3FVN8Zp
Please give today.
Page 1 Page 2-3 Page 4-5 Page 6-7 Page 8-9 Page 10-11 Page 12-13 Page 14-15 Page 16Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online