ACHIEVEMENTS
Dr. Brian Buhlke was honored for promoting rural health care.
Shannon Engler, RN, received a March of Dimes award.
Dr. Buhlke earns recognition
March of Dimes cites Engler
Brian Buhlke, DO, FAAFP, was honored November 11 during National Rural Health Day. Each year, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health shines a light on those who serve the vital health needs of the 57 million people living in rural America. Dr. Buhlke is a family medicine physician who practices at Merrick Medical Center in Central City. His nomination notes Dr. Buhlke’s focus on advocating for appropriate care in rural Nebraska and his work to change policies related to affordable EMS services. His story appeared with those of other nominees in the 2019 edition of the Community Stars book published by the national organization. n
During the 2019 March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Banquet, Bryan Mental Health Services director Shannon Engler, RN, was recognized in the Advocacy category. “I was surprised, humbled and honored,” he says. “Advocacy means to support and sometimes plead for better care — in my case, for those with behavioral health conditions who are among the most fragile and disenfranchised. I support the delivery of quality services to them because it’s the right thing to do.” He adds, “I’m very fortunate to work with an outstanding array of people. This recognition is the result of the work our staff, leaders and community partners do.” n
30 Spring 2020
Bryan Diabetes Center’s education team includes Ashley Larson, RD, LMNT; Kathy Helmink, RN, CDE; Jenna Mayers, RN, LMNT, CDE; Samantha Beckler, RN, CDE; and Mary Luebbert, RD, LMNT, CDE.
Bryan Diabetes Center achieves ADA recertification The American Diabetes Association (ADA) announced the successful recertification of the Bryan Diabetes Center through the Education Recognition Program. The primary goal of this ADA recognition program is to assure high-quality education for its participants. Certification means educational services meet the national standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES). Diabetes programs apply for recognition voluntarily, and ADA certification can be renewed every four years — Bryan Diabete Center has been a recognized ADA program since 2000. There currently are 21
sites across Nebraska affiliated with this program through the Heartland Health Alliance. Kathy Helmink, RN, CDE, serves as the quality coordinator for Bryan’s DSMES program, including all of the statewide diabetes sites. The Bryan Diabetes Center team provides many special programs, as well as individual consultations, to help patients focus on areas such as nutrition, exercise, lifestyle changes, carbohydrate counting, medications, insulin pump use and more. For more information about diabetes education, call 402-481-6305. n
