Nebraska Extension recently announced their 2025 Extension Award Winners. Two Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County staff were members of teams receiving “Excellence in Extension” awards.
• The National Health Outreach & Engagement Conference 11-person team, including Extension Educator Emily Gratopp, was recognized for “Collaboration.” The planning committee hosted a three-day national conference in Omaha attended by 263 professionals from 38 states. The conference emphasized the role of multisector partnerships and collaboration in advancing programs, as well as policy, systems and environmental change approaches to improve health for all.
• The Tick Tag Go three-person team, including Extension Educator Kait Chapman, was recognized for “Collaboration.” At the heart of the program is a community-powered surveillance effort using the iNaturist app. Nebraskans have contributed over 1,000 tick observations from across the state. Through the larger Nebraska Tick Network, Extension staff work closely with University of Nebraska–Lincoln, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Creighton, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, and local health departments to connect education with research and public health preparedness.