Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Director Pat Lopez, MSN, RN, was honored as the Woman of the Year at the sixth annual Inspire Awards in 2020. As the public face and leader of local efforts to address the unparalleled COVID-19 pandemic, Pat made on-camera appearances throughout the pandemic to provide residents with the most up-to-date information and guidance.
Under her leadership, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) developed the COVID risk dial for the community, and it was subsequently adopted by numerous other health departments. Additionally, Pat implemented preventative health measures. “Every nurse knows that simple and common-sense infection control interventions are not necessarily popular, but they work,” she said. In 2023, LLCHD received the Model Practice Award from the National Association of County and City Health Officials for its COVID-19 response.
While Pat’s contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic were highly prominent, she has achieved numerous other significant accomplishments since being awarded WOTY in 2020. The following initiatives demonstrate her commitment to proactively addressing public health concerns and improving the well-being of our community.
- Pat has spearheaded the implementation of the Family Connects program, providing every new mother/family in Lincoln and Lancaster County the opportunity to have a home visit by a public health nurse after the birth of a child. This program has demonstrated both short-term and long-term benefits for children and parents.
- She has enhanced the Household hazardous materials from the landfill every year. The program is now expanding to serve more residents
in Lincoln and Lancaster County. - In collaboration with Lincoln Urban Development, Pat established the Lead Safe Lincoln program which identifies infants and young children with elevated blood lead levels, determines the source of the lead contamination, and mitigatesthe source. Infants and children are connected with medical care needed to address elevated lead levels to prevent further health and developmental consequences.
- To proactively address the escalating challenges posed by extreme weather events, Pat has provided leadership to the creation of a Climate and Health Resilience section and coordinator role to develop a comprehensive Public Health Heat Response Plan for Lincoln and Lancaster County. This plan will be implemented in collaboration with numerous city and county departments and agencies, local community partners, and community members.
Pat has enjoyed her distinguished career in public health that spans decades. From 1975 to 2004, she was employed at LLCHD, contributing her energy and expertise for 30 years. She returned to the department in May 2019, continuing her dedicated service. Utilizing her extensive knowledge and experience, Pat has held several consulting roles within the field of public health and served as the president of the State Association of Local Boards of Health. She also played a pivotal role in the national accreditation efforts for local health departments.
Exceptionally noteworthy is the instrumental role Pat played in the passage by the Nebraska Legislature of the Nebraska Health Care Funding Act (LB 692) in 2001, which continues today. This Act created a statewide local public health system covering all 93 counties in Nebraska and provides an ongoing funding source for the local health departments.
Pat expresses that she has been fortunate to work with women across the state who are both formally and informally recognized as leaders. She feels that building trusting relationships is the cornerstone to improving the public’s health. “All these experiences have led to personal and professional growth. I have learned that honest communication, respect, being open-minded, and being brave are my guiding principles. It has been my greatest honor to serve our wonderful community.”
