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7 Critical Ways The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) Is Changing Public Health In 2025

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The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) remains the primary public health strategist and assurance provider for over 300,000 residents in Lincoln and the wider Lancaster County area. As of late 2025, the department has solidified its focus on a comprehensive public health model, moving beyond traditional services to aggressively tackle modern challenges like behavioral health and environmental data management, ensuring the community’s safety and wellbeing are paramount.

This deep dive into the LLCHD’s operations, structure, and most recent 2025 initiatives reveals a dynamic organization committed to evidence-based practice and strong community partnerships. From groundbreaking mental health platforms to new leadership and enhanced food safety measures, the department is actively shaping a healthier future for all of its constituents.

The LLCHD Leadership Profile: Director Kernen

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department is led by a dedicated team, with its direction recently formalized under new leadership.

  • Current Director: Kernen (Nominated/Appointed)
  • Previous Role at LLCHD: Assistant Health Director (Began April 2023)
  • Previous Role at LLCHD: Manager of Community Health Services (Began 2021)
  • Prior Experience (Outside LLCHD): Chief of Community Health and Nutrition Services for the Douglas County Health Department
  • Prior Experience (Outside LLCHD): Former CEO of Health 360
  • Key Responsibilities: Oversight of the LLCHD Strategic Plan, management of the department's seven divisions, and implementation of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).
  • Predecessor: Pat Lopez (Retired)

Kernen’s extensive background in both health department administration and community health leadership, including roles at the Douglas County Health Department and as CEO of Health 360, positions the LLCHD to sustain its momentum and drive forward its goal of protecting and promoting public health.

1. The Launch of CredibleMind: A 2025 Mental Wellbeing Breakthrough

One of the most significant and timely initiatives launched by the LLCHD in 2025 is the CredibleMind online mental wellbeing platform. This platform directly addresses a critical priority identified in the department’s Community Health Assessment (CHA) and subsequent Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP): Behavioral Health, which encompasses mental health, substance use, and violence prevention.

The CredibleMind platform provides community members with free, 24/7 access to evidence-based information, tools, and resources designed to support emotional health. This service, launched in partnership with organizations like CHI Health, is a modern response to the growing need for accessible mental health support, moving beyond traditional clinical settings to offer preventative and supportive tools.

2. The Seven Pillars of LLCHD Public Health Services

The operational structure of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department is divided into seven core divisions, which work collaboratively to ensure all facets of public health are addressed. These divisions represent the full spectrum of essential public health services:

  • Health Department Administration: Provides strategic oversight and management.
  • Community Health Services: Focuses on direct community support, including the crucial Home Visitation Services (Healthy Families America and Family Connects models).
  • Dental Health & Nutrition Services: Provides preventative and educational services to improve oral health and dietary habits across the county.
  • Environmental Public Health (EPH): Manages safety and sanitation, including food safety, water quality, and environmental hazards.
  • Health Promotion & Outreach: Implements educational campaigns and programs focusing on areas like active living, healthy eating, tobacco and e-cigarette prevention, and preventive health screenings.
  • Animal Control: Responsible for animal welfare, public safety related to animals, and rabies control.
  • Health Data Services: Collects, analyzes, and disseminates health data to inform policy and track progress on public health goals.

3. Enhanced Environmental Public Health and Food Safety

The Environmental Public Health (EPH) division has seen significant modernization. In a move to improve efficiency and transparency, the LLCHD launched a new Environmental Health Management System. This system streamlines inspection workflows and reporting, giving the public and food establishments better access to critical environmental health data.

The LLCHD’s Food Safety Program is a key component of EPH. Staff are highly trained in areas such as foodborne illness investigations, often utilizing training from the CDC's Environmental Health Training in Emergency Response. This rigorous training ensures the department is prepared to handle any outbreak and maintain the highest standards of food safety for all Lancaster County establishments.

4. Proactive Response to Respiratory Illness Season

The department continues its proactive stance on infectious disease prevention, particularly concerning the annual Respiratory Illness Season. The LLCHD has consistently reminded residents about the importance of getting the Flu Vaccine as flu season begins. This public outreach is a cornerstone of mitigating the spread of seasonal illnesses and reducing the burden on local healthcare systems, a lesson well-learned from recent global health events.

The focus is on providing accessible vaccination clinics and clear communication regarding prevention strategies, including hygiene practices and staying home when sick. This ongoing effort highlights the LLCHD's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and maintaining community resilience.

5. Strategic Community Health Improvement (CHIP) for 2025–2027

The LLCHD serves as a chief health strategist, mobilizing community partnerships to execute the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). This plan is not a static document; the 2025–2027 CHIP is guided by the 2022 Community Health Assessment (CHA) process, which involved extensive input from local partners and stakeholders.

A key outcome of this collaboration is the 6 Pillars Initiative, a joint effort by CHIP partners to address the most pressing health needs in the county. The LLCHD works closely with organizations like Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln and LNKTV Health to ensure these initiatives, which cover topics from active living to violence prevention, are effectively promoted and implemented at the grassroots level.

6. Family Support Through Home Visitation Services

The LLCHD’s commitment to early childhood development and family stability is evident in its robust Home Visitation Services. The department utilizes two nationally recognized, evidence-based models: Healthy Families America and Family Connects. These programs provide in-home support, resources, and education to new and expectant parents, promoting positive parenting, child health, and family self-sufficiency.

These services are vital for addressing social determinants of health early in a child’s life, helping to break cycles of poverty and ensuring children enter school ready to learn. The investment in these preventative services demonstrates the LLCHD's long-term vision for a healthy community.

7. Commitment to Data-Driven Decisions and Accreditation

The entire operation of the LLCHD is underpinned by its commitment to data and professional standards. The Health Data Services division plays a crucial role in tracking key public health metrics, allowing the department to make informed, evidence-based decisions rather than relying on guesswork.

Furthermore, the LLCHD maintains its commitment to accreditation standards. The department’s annual reports, such as the 2024–2025 report, detail its ability to sustain core programs and meet operational indicators, ensuring accountability and continuous quality improvement across all seven divisions and numerous initiatives.

LLCHD Key Entities and Topical Authority

The breadth of the LLCHD's work is reflected in its numerous programs and partnerships, providing a high degree of topical authority across public health domains. Key entities include:

  • Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD)
  • Director Kernen
  • Former Director Pat Lopez
  • CredibleMind Platform
  • Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)
  • Community Health Assessment (CHA)
  • Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln
  • CHI Health
  • LNKTV Health
  • Douglas County Health Department
  • Health 360 (Former Affiliation)
  • Healthy Families America
  • Family Connects (Universal Home Visitation)
  • Environmental Health Management System
  • Food Safety Program
  • Foodborne Illness Investigations
  • CDC’s Environmental Health Training
  • 6 Pillars Initiative
  • Behavioral Health Priority
  • Substance Use Prevention
  • Violence Prevention
  • Respiratory Illness Season
  • Flu Vaccine Outreach
  • Dental Health & Nutrition Services
  • Animal Control Division
  • Health Promotion & Outreach Division
  • Health Data Services Division
  • Active Living Programs
  • Tobacco and E-Cigarette Prevention Education
  • Preventive Health Screenings
  • Lancaster County Stakeholders

The LLCHD's work in 2025 demonstrates a clear focus on adapting to the evolving health landscape, prioritizing mental wellbeing, leveraging modern technology for environmental health, and maintaining a robust framework of essential public health services.

lincoln lancaster county health dept
lincoln lancaster county health dept

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