Teresa Anderson is retiring as the Health Director of the Central District Health Department in Grand Island. (Courtesy photo)
GRAND ISLAND – Teresa Anderson is retiring as Health Director of the Central District Health Department in Grand Island after serving in the position since January 2003.
Anderson’s retirement will begin June 1, 2026, as long as a replacement director is in place, Anderson said.
Anderson turned 69 in October. She said that family and friends suggested that she retire.
“This work is intensive and there are really no 9 to 5 workdays,” Anderson said.
Central District Health Department serves Hall, Hamilton, and Merrick Counties. The Health Department has 44 full-time and 8 part-time employees.
Anderson described three major accomplishments that have occurred during her tenure at the Health Department. They are:
*Developing and retaining excellent staff who are committed to and have a passion for public health.
*Growing programs through a budget that started at $1.8 million budget and now is a $9 million annual budget
*Building community support and partnerships that through collaboration make our community healthier.
Anderson earned a diploma as Registered Nurse from Mary Lanning School of Nursing; a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Creighton University, College of Nursing; and a Master of Nursing Degree with Community/Public Health Specialty from the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Nursing.
Anderson described the process that will be used to find her replacement.
“Currently, we are still in the planning stage. At this time, we have no internal applicants. We anticipate a wide search using a recruiting agency experienced in working with public health recruiting,” Anderson said.
She explained what she has enjoyed as serving as the Health Department’s Health Director.
“Every day can present a significant and unexpected challenge but knowing we can meet the challenge as an organization and as a community makes this work very rewarding,” she said.
Anderson and her husband, Dan, live in Hastings. He retired approximately five years ago after a career in banking. They have three sons and four grandchildren.
She described some of the challenges that the Health Department faces. “Managing misinformation and disinformation while being understanding of people’s concerns” is one challenge. Another challenge is maintaining funding streams. “Grants are often time limited. We are always looking for new opportunities and new programs to better serve our community and so that we don’t have to displace valuable staff.”
Programs that the Health Department provides are WIC and Breast-feeding peer counseling, Healthy Families America home visitation, Public and Private Vaccinations, food service inspections and permitting, public/private well testing, vector control and monitoring, DOT safety and education, Collective Impact, Lead Capacity Building (HUD), Infectious disease investigation and control, and dental services.
Anderson explained why it is important to have a strong community health department.
“There are so many opportunities to create a healthier community, including working with community partners on issues including access to health care, affordable quality childcare, reliable affordable transportation, culturally appropriate behavioral health care, and affordable safe housing. We are part of a larger collaborative system where each partner is vital to our success in creating a healthier community. Having a strong presence in Central Nebraska demonstrates our passion and commitment to improving the health of those we serve,” she said.
“Please know how much I appreciate the support and guidance I have received over these many years from Board members who have consistently guided the work of public health in the face of a multitude of adversities. I am grateful for our partnerships with hospitals, clinics, schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. They have been invaluable in collaborative work leading to better health for our community. Also, I will forever be grateful beyond measure to work with the amazing staff here at CDHD,” Anderson said.
“There are many upcoming opportunities to expand the work we do through the new Rural Health Transformation Project starting early next year. I hope to remain part of the planning and early implementation process as the Director search is undertaken,” Anderson said.
