Nebraska Health Network Encourages Community Involvement Via Volunteer Time Off Benefit

Published Dec. 20, 2021

Nebraska Health Network Encourages Community Involvement Via Volunteer Time Off Benefit

Employees Support the Food Bank for the Heartland, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity and More

(Omaha, Neb., 12/21/2021): All full-time employees at the NHN are eligible to receive time off to volunteer for a cause or organization they’re passionate about. The program helps support our local community and promotes worklife balance since employees can volunteer during the workday.

“One of our core values at the NHN is being community focused, and we know our employees are passionate about local causes and want to give back through service. The VTO program is a way we can recognize and support our employees, encourage their efforts and make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve,” said Lee Handke, PharmD, MBA, Chief Executive Officer of NHN.

The Volunteer Time Off program encourages employees to give back to their community at a time that is convenient to them at an organization of their choice.  Employees appreciate the benefit because it empowers them to:

  • Serve a cause or organization that is meaningful to them
  • Help others that may be less fortunate or without a voice
  • Feel valued and be part of a bigger mission
  • Take a break from a daily routine or busy lifestyle to be enriched through serving others

For example, Director of Population Health Management and Innovation, Mallory Callahan MPAS, PA-C, volunteers for Monster Bash-Brain Cancer Fundraiser. She chose this organization because she has a sentimental tie to the cause. “My dad passed away from brain cancer as did one of my close friends. We have fundraised over $1M in their names to build a therapy pool for Methodist that aids in helping cancer patients gain physical strength after treatments,” she said.

Mallory said she enjoys being able to help with some of the activities that take place during business hours without having to take time off work because it is a benefit that most full-time employees don’t have. Giving her time to help the community is also important to her.

Volunteer activities not only support the NHN’s mission, but encourage employees to remain connected with the community.

“Volunteer opportunities provide a different type of fulfillment and grounding that gives a deeper appreciation for the work we are able to do at NHN and the populations we are impacting through value-based care,” Adam Schulte, PharmD, ACO pharmacist said. He uses his time at Operation Others, Habitat for Humanity, Food Bank for the Heartland and St. Stephen the Martyr.

Whatever the reason may be for selecting a specific organization, employees benefit personally from volunteering as well.

“Giving is joyful. So many do not have it like I do, and I like to help where I can. So many good organizations are helping others; it is great to support them and volunteer where I can,” Manager of IT and Analytics, Jimmy Johnson said.

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  • About the NHN

    Formed in 2010, Nebraska Health Network is the accountable care organization for two leading health systems in Nebraska: Methodist Health System and Nebraska Medicine. We have more than 5,500 primary care and specialty physicians and advanced practice providers working throughout the Omaha metropolitan area, Fremont and western Iowa. Together, we work to transform health care and provide patients with the highest possible quality of care at the lowest cost. 

  • SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS

    The NHN team welcomes the opportunity to speak with you on a number of industry topics including, but not limited to:

    • Value-based Care
    • Advanced Payment Models
    • Cost and Quality Initiatives
    • Medicare Shared Savings Program
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