Charles Drew Health Center, Inc. CEO Kenny McMorris was recently interviewed on KMTV regarding behavioral health supports offered to the community.
Charles Drew Health Center, Inc. CEO Kenny McMorris was recently interviewed on KMTV regarding behavioral health supports offered to the community.
Dr. Eric Sherman, Chief Medical Officer for Charles Drew Health Center, Inc. joined Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, officials from the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Agriculture to discuss potential changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), excluding soda and energy drinks from its approved list of items.
“The focus is on behaviors encouraging physical activity, healthy food and drink choices, and healthy eating behaviors,” Dr. Eric Sherman said.
Recently, Congressman Don Bacon recognized Charles Drew Health Center, Inc.’s CEO Kenny McMorris from the House floor to celebrate Black History Month. Kenny was honored for his incredible achievements as a visionary leader and a champion for the community’s well-being. He was recognized for transforming healthcare delivery through innovative strategies and a commitment to serving the disenfranchised. Kenny continues to help ensure that North Omaha’s healthcare needs are being met and strengthens the community where he grew up.
In the photo above, Congressman Don Bacon joins Charles Drew Health Center, Inc. (CDHC) CEO Kenny McMorris at the ribbon cutting for CDHC’s 30 Metro location.
Charles Drew Health Center, Inc. (CDHC) has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Ambulatory Care, which includes the prestigious Primary Care Medical Home (PCMH) designation, and Behavioral Health Care and Human Services Reaccreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.
CDHC underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review in August 2024. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with CDHCs standards spanning several areas including environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, medication management, and rights and responsibilities of the individual.
“The staff and providers at Charles Drew Health Center, Inc. work together every day to continuously provide quality care for members of our community. We are pleased that these efforts have resulted in this valued accreditation from The Joint Commission,” said John Ewing, Jr., Board of Directors Chairperson of Charles Drew Health Center, Inc.
The Joint Commission’s standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. They are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help health care organizations measure, assess and improve performance. The surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
“We are extremely proud to receive reaccreditation from The Joint Commission,” said Kenny McMorris, Chief Executive Officer of Charles Drew Health Center, Inc. “This accomplishment highlights the dedication and hard work of our entire care team across every department. Their commitment to upholding the highest standards allows us to deliver outstanding care to our patients and community.”
Preparing for the multi-day accreditation visit involved a robust and structured approach focused on safety, excellence, and adherence to high standards. A comprehensive education and training program ensured all care team members stayed updated on best practices, while interdisciplinary collaboration supported cohesive quality improvement initiatives. Internal audits and mock surveys were conducted regularly, allowing teams to simulate the accreditation process and address potential gaps. Policies and procedures were meticulously refined to align with accreditation standards, and detailed rounds helped verify compliance with safety and sanitation requirements. Daily efforts to enhance patient safety and improve outcomes underscored a commitment to continuous improvement, fostering a proactive culture that prioritizes quality in all aspects of patient care.
For more information, please visit The Joint Commission website
CEO Kenny McMorris was recently featured in the newsfeed for the National Association of Community Health Centers. Read more about it at the link below:
Charles Drew Health Center, Inc. (CDHC) is honored to announce the addition of Eric Sherman MD, MPA as the new Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Sherman will lead efforts to expand access to healthcare for all, improve the patient experience, and continue providing excellent preventive care to improve community health. Dr. Sherman will serve as a clinical thought leader in the design and implementation of new projects and innovative clinical programs that are patient-centered, individualized, and culturally sensitive to ensure the best possible care and experience for the health center’s patients.
“Dr. Sherman is a seasoned and devoted healthcare leader, who believes strongly in the need to transform the public and community health care delivery system through transparency, accountability and quality measurement. His clinical leadership experience will benefit our company, providers, staff and most importantly, our community and patients,” stated Kenny McMorris, CEO of Charles Drew Health Center, Inc.
Dr. Sherman most recently served as Staff Pediatric Endocrinologist at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He retired as a Colonel in 2023 after a 21-year career in the United States Air Force, where he served as Chief Medical Officer and Vice Commander of the 55th Medical Group at Ehrling Berquist Clinic.
“I am honored and excited to serve as Chief Medical Officer at Charles Drew Health Center and to blending leadership with excellent care to help my community thrive,” said Dr. Sherman. “I look forward to serving with a team of exceptional individuals who are making a significant impact, with a special focus on addressing the unique needs of the neighborhoods we serve.”
Dr. Sherman is married and has three daughters. He enjoys reading, sports, exercise, running, spending time with family and traveling.
Charles Drew Health Center, Inc. (CDHC) is proud to announce the addition of Tasha Conley, MSN, RN, as the new Director of Nursing. Tasha will drive the continued success of the nursing department by ensuring exemplary patient care. She has over 20 years clinical experience with a focus on creating policies, coordinating staff and managing daily operations. In her new position, Conley will lead the overall operations of the Nursing Department.
“I am especially pleased to welcome Tasha to our dedicated team,” said Kenny McMorris, Chief Executive Officer of Charles Drew Health Center, Inc. “She brings a great deal of practical experience to the position, which is a critically important role at Charles Drew Health Center. Ensuring the highest quality of care and promoting the health and well-being of our patients and community are our top priorities. Tasha will lead the effort to not only meet but exceed the expectations of our patients.”
A lifelong resident of North Omaha, Conley earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Creighton University and her Master of Science in Nursing from University of Phoenix. She served as State Clinical Director for Nomi Health, providing clinical oversight to COVID testing sites in Nebraska, Iowa, and Maryland. Previously, Tasha served locally as Director of Maternal Health and Director of Nursing. She directed the Practical Nursing Program at College of Saint Mary and worked most recently in direct patient care at CHI Immanuel Medical Center.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Charles Drew Health Center team,” Conley said. “Becoming a nurse stemmed from my passion for helping others. Transitioning into an executive role was driven by my desire to lead impactful change and foster growth that directly benefits the patients that we serve. I am excited to be part of a mission that helps residents of North Omaha live healthier, happier lives.”
Conley has four children and is a group fitness instructor. She also enjoys travel and spending time with her family.
On Monday, May 6, EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister joined representatives from the African American, Hispanic, and refugee communities, as well as local nonprofit and governmental organizations working to address environmental justice concerns in Omaha, Nebraska, on an environmental justice tour across the city followed by a listening session.
“The opportunity to meet with local leaders to see and hear their concerns in person is invaluable,” McCollister said. “The knowledge our team gained through this experience will help inform our future conversations and actions as we continue our work to advance clean air, water, and land for every person across the city of Omaha, regardless of their background.”
The tour and listening session were designed to better understand community leaders’ perspectives regarding areas with environmental justice concerns across Omaha and to give those leaders the opportunity to voice their concerns directly to EPA. During the tour, McCollister joined the community leaders in gaining firsthand knowledge of identified areas for further discussion during the listening session.
The tour and listening session included participants from Black Men United, Charles Drew Health Center, City Sprouts, Clair Memorial United Methodist Church, Conservation Nebraska, Creighton University, Douglas County, Fred LeRoy Health and Wellness Center, Heartland Workers Center, Latino Center for the Midlands, Latino Economic Development Council, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Nebraska Afghan Community Center, Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition, Omaha Refugee Task Force, One World Omaha, Refugee Empowerment Center, Refugee Housing Committee, Restoring Dignity, Spark CDI, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Learn more about EPA’s Environmental Justice grants, funding, and technical assistance.
Jonathan Klusmeyer (klusmeyer.jonathan@epa.gov)
Charles Drew Health Center, Inc. (CDHC) was recently re-awarded another five-year project period totaling $1,008,333.00 annually under the Healthy Start Initiative: Eliminating Disparities in Perinatal Health Program from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This program, called Omaha Healthy Start (OHS), is designed to improve health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy.
“We are so honored to receive this grant on behalf of our community,” said John Ewing, Jr., Board of Directors Chairperson of Charles Drew Health Center, Inc. “This funding enhances the well-being of pregnant and postpartum women, specifically addressing communities where infant mortality rates exceed 1.5 times the national average. It aims to tackle disparities in outcomes, particularly focusing on reducing higher mortality rates among African American and Indigenous women and infants of color.”
According to the Douglas County Health Department, from 2019 to 2021 Douglas County experienced an infant mortality rate of 8.9 per 1,000 live births, a low birthweight rate of 131.5 per 1,000 live births, and a preterm birth rate of 159.9 per 1,000 live births. 385 infants were born with a low birthweight of less than 2,500 grams (5.5 pounds). There were 468 preterm births, with a preterm birth rate of 159.9 per 1,000 live births. These statistics highlight the critical areas of concern and emphasize the need for interventions and support to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
Omaha Healthy Start serves pregnant people, parents and guardians of children under 12 months in Douglas County. OHS helps with education and training in all stages of pregnancy, health assessments and screenings, nutrition and fitness resources, and more to achieve positive health outcomes.
“Funding will support the health care, social, and community needs of mothers and babies in North Omaha,” said Kenny McMorris, Chief Executive Officer of Charles Drew Health Center, Inc. “This initiative aims to enhance community health and address significant disparities in outcomes for maternal and infant health while engaging fathers. Since 2001, OHS has played a crucial role in combatting the maternal health challenges we currently face by collaborating with local organizations to achieve improved health results for both mothers and babies. Every mother deserves a healthy and safe pregnancy and delivery, regardless of their circumstances. Our commitment remains steadfast in supporting efforts that promote better health outcomes within our communities.”
Charles Drew Health Center, Inc. (CDHC) is proud to announce that it has received a continuation of its three-year, $4.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This funding will continue CDHC’s vital work as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), supporting the nation’s medically underserved populations with affordable, quality primary healthcare services. The FQHC program, overseen by HRSA, is a public partnership that strengthens the healthcare safety net for America’s most vulnerable populations. FQHCs are community-based and patient-directed organizations that provide comprehensive primary care services, including medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy care. They play a crucial role in improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities among medically underserved communities.
The competitive Service Area Competition (SAC) is a triennial process that ensures continued access to affordable, quality primary care for communities currently served by FQHCs. SAC funding, often referred to as “Section 330 funding,” is the backbone of FQHCs’ financial support. It allows health centers like CDHC to deliver vital services to those in need, particularly in underserved urban and rural areas.
CDHC has a long history of success, serving nearly 13,000 patients annually with over 42,000 visits. The funding will allow CDHC to build on its successful track record, expanding its capacity to provide primary healthcare services within North Omaha. This includes expanding access to primary care, dental services, behavioral health care, pharmacy, and enabling services that support overall community well-being.
“This funding is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, stakeholders, and board,” added John Ewing, Jr., Chairperson of the CDHC Board of Directors. “We are committed to using these resources wisely to further our goal of providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to the people of North Omaha. We are grateful for HRSA’s confidence in our ability to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.”
“This further affirms our commitment to ensuring that all people have access to the care they need and deserve, regardless of their ability to pay. It energizes us to continue innovating and expanding our services to better serve our community,” said Kenny McMorris, CEO of Charles Drew Health Center. “Through our unwavering dedication to service, CDHC has earned the trust and respect of the people it serves. The funding from HRSA is a testament to the health center’s success and endorsement of its mission. As CDHC looks to the future, it is energized and inspired to continue making a positive difference in the lives of those in our community.