A New Day for Health Care in Nebraska - By Governor Mike Johanns

Dear Nebraska Neighbors:

We are in the midst of a period of astounding biological advancements and innovation. Medical breakthroughs are coming more and more quickly, both nationally and at the state level. Technology is revolutionizing health care in Nebraska and just last week, I unveiled an advanced network that provides direct access to health care from anywhere in the state.

This network combines the latest in technology and medical treatments with the capacity for great research, for the benefit all Nebraskans.

The Nebraska Statewide Telehealth Network gives us the ability to link Nebraska hospitals to our medical universities and state health experts. This tremendous communications tool means our state is better equipped to respond quickly to terrorism-related or public health emergencies. Additionally, it increases the quality, availability and accessibility of health hcare throughout the state - particularly in rural areas.

The Telehealth Network connects six existing regional health networks with additional hospitals and public health sites in every part of the state. Currently there are more than 50 sites linked to the network and we will continue adding to that number until every Nebraska hospital is part of this unprecedented network. By this time next year, we hope to achieve that goal and provide links to a few hospitals in neighboring states, as well.

When complete, the network will have far-reaching implications for improved emergency response and health care in our state. It will directly connect 80 Nebraska hospitals, 20 local public health departments, Nebraska's state and regional public health labs, as well as key state agencies.

Hospitals in rural Nebraska will be able to connect to any other hospital in the state through a single, secure network. Nebraskans will have access to specialists who can monitor their progress without the burden of travel. Health care providers will have access to continuing education; learning new procedures and developments in surgical technology.
Sessions with mental health practitioners can take place with patients in one city and their providers in another - all without sacrificing confidentiality.

In the event of a public health emergency, state officials will be able to meet to relay important information to the doctors, nurses and practitioners on the front lines of a crisis, answer questions, and provide visual images that are clear enough to facilitate a diagnosis.

This is a phenomenal achievement and I applaud all those who have worked so hard to make this vision a reality. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of the hospitals across the state for their willingness to be a part of this effort, the Public Service Commission for its commitment to help fund the network, as well as the many partners at the University of Nebraska, Department of Health and Human Services and the Nebraska Hospital Association for their collaboration.

We are changing forever the collective medical capabilities of our state. The tremendous cooperation behind the success of the Statewide Telehealth Network is another shining example of what I believe to be one of our state's greatest assets - outstanding collaboration. There is truly no better representation of our "Nebraska United" than this network and we will all benefit from its nearly unlimited possibilities.