Health Center Association of Nebraska’s annual Exceptional Patient Care Award recognizes health center staff members who exemplify outstanding service and commitment to improving the health and well-being of their patients and communities. Awardees demonstrate exceptional contributions to the Community Health Center Movement through their service, steward leadership, and dedication to the health center mission.
Nominations for 2026 are now closed. Stay tuned for the announcement of this year’s award winners and the 2027 call for nominations.
Award Winners
2026
2026 Exceptional Patient Care Award
- Natasha Challquist, Main Clinic Manager – Bluestem Health
The remaining 2026 award winners will be announced soon. Check back here for details!
2025
2025 Exceptional Patient Care Award
- Paty Carrizales, Office Manager – Good Neighbor Community Health Center
- Mindee Swanson, Nurse Practitioner & Associate Medical Director for SBHCs – OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc.
- Cristina Ludwig, Interpreter – Bluestem Health
2025 Champion for Change Award
- Coleen Schrage, Pharmacy Director – OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc.
2024
2024 Exceptional Patient Care Award
- Elisha “Ellie” Davison, Medical Assistant – Bluestem Health
- Erin Stehlik, Dental Office Manager – Heartland Health Center
- Keela VanGrinsven, Patient Resources Manager – Charles Drew Health Center, Inc.
2024 Champion for Change Award
- Brian Penly, DDS, Dental Director – OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc.
- David Seger, DDS, Chief Dental Officer – Midtown Health Center
2023
2023 Exceptional Patient Care Award
- Dr. Wesley Meyer, Pediatrician – OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc.
- Monica Schmucker, Family Nurse Practitioner – Heartland Health Center
- Korayma Delgadillo de Santiago, Medical Assistant – OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc.
2023 Lifetime Community Health Advocate Award
- John Carrington, Founder, Physician’s Assistant, Primary Care Director – Community Action Health Center