KEARNEY, Neb. - Health leaders, educators and community members alike came together Monday in Kearney for the Rural Engagement and Wellness Summit, a collaborative effort to address the unique challenges of rural health care in Nebraska.

Participants helped shape the discussions by sharing ideas and learning from one another.

“One major focus is agricultural health and safety, a vital issue in a state where one in four jobs is tied to farming,” said Athena Ramos, an associate professor at the UNMC College of Public Health. “We need to make sure that farmers and farm workers have access to health care, education, and resources because health is the foundation for managing all of the other challenges in agriculture.”

Charlie Stoltano, Dean and Director of Extension for Nebraska, echoed the importance of collaboration across sectors.

“We’re gathered here today, agencies and people who are really interested in rural wellness, asking 'what can we do for Nebraska’s rural communities?' How can we pool our resources and really move rural Nebraska forward,” said Stoltano.

Officials say rural communities often face shortages of pediatricians and OBGYNs, aging populations and more limited access to nutritious food.

The summit aims to address those gaps by building partnerships, sharing resources and promoting education and outreach.

“The biggest step is starting the conversation,” Ramos said. “Sometimes organizations don’t even know what each other is doing in rural health. Coming together helps us connect with local partners and find ways to make a meaningful impact.”

Part of that effort includes the Central State Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, which Ramos leads.

Her team has provided free on-site health screenings to more than 600 feed yard workers across Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado by checking for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, lung function, stress levels and more.

“We go through results with each worker and provide health education, connecting them to local resources,” Ramos explained. “We’re meeting people where they are and giving them the tools to manage their health- physically, mentally and socially.”

The summit also highlights mental health support for farm and ranch communities.

Ramos is part of the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, a USDA-funded initiative that provides resources, training, and services around stress and mental health.

“Health isn’t just about treating illness,” she said. “It’s about giving people what they need to be well and strong, whether that’s managing stress, grief, or conflict. These conversations help reduce stigma and build stronger, healthier communities.”

The Rural Engagement and Wellness Summit continues to foster dialogue and collaboration, with organizers hopeful that partnerships formed here will strengthen rural Nebraska for years to come.

More information, along with study results, can be found here.