BURWELL - A groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday on North 8th Avenue in Burwell as Loup Basin Public Health Department (LBPHD) begins the road to significant expansion to better serve the health needs of the community.
The new facility will address the growing demand for clinical space and offices as the health department continues to introduce new programs and expand staff. In recent years, LBPHD has doubled its workforce and now proudly employs 15 dedicated staff members from the surrounding area.
Located on Burwell's main street, near the business district, the new facility is strategically positioned to enhance visibility and accessibility for residents traveling from the nine counties LBPHD serves: Blaine, Custer, Garfield, Greeley, Howard, Loup, Sherman, Valley, and Wheeler. The central location ensures that those in the broader service area will find it easier to access care and services, reinforcing the department's commitment to addressing rural healthcare needs.
Expansion of Services and Infrastructure
The new building will feature clinical exam rooms designed to support the expansion of immunization and dental services, and dedicated meeting space for home visitors to connect with families. In line with LBPHD's mission to protect and serve the community, the facility will also include a safe room and generator power, allowing operations to continue uninterrupted during severe weather events. A spacious, temperature-controlled garage will accommodate personal protective equipment (PPE) storage, drive-through testing or vaccination services, and car seat inspections, protecting staff and residents from inclement weather.
This expansion comes as part of LBPHD's ongoing efforts to strengthen public health across all nine counties in its jurisdiction. "This new facility will give us the space and resources to continue responding to the evolving health needs of the rural population," said Amanda Jeffres, Executive Director of LBPHD. "From immunizations to family services, we're proud to be able to serve our community more efficiently and reach more residents with the essential care they deserve."
Supporting the Broader Community
With a service area that spans 7,200 square miles and encompasses a rural population of nearly 30,000, LBPHD's new facility is not just a Burwell project -- it's a regional resource. The expanded clinical space and enhanced capabilities reflect the department's commitment to improving healthcare access across all counties, whether through on-site services or by ensuring mobile and remote services remain reliable and responsive.
"We understand the challenges our rural residents face when it comes to accessing healthcare, particularly in isolated areas," added Amanda. "This new space will allow us to survey local needs more effectively and continue expanding our services to meet the demands of all the counties we serve."
Construction is set to begin this fall, with completion anticipated by Fall 2025. This facility represents a significant investment in the future of public health in the region, ensuring that essential services and support remain available to all who need them, no matter their location within the LBPHD jurisdiction.
For more information about the groundbreaking ceremony and LBPHD's services, call 308-346-
5795.