Molina Healthcare of Nebraska (“Molina”) distributed $10,000 grants to three health organizations, serving over 20 counties, to fund the purchase of lead testing equipment. The machines are portable so that they can be transported on the organizations’ mobile units when participating in community events. Molina’s donation supports those serving rural counties in Nebraska, part of a continuing effort by Molina and its partners to eliminate barriers to healthcare.

Most recent data show 34,669 Nebraska children under age 6 were tested for lead in 2023. Of those children, 1,326 had a blood level at or above the CDC reference value. The greatest risk of lead poisoning is to brain development. In addition, high lead levels can damage the kidneys and nervous system in both children and adults.

“Increasing access to care in rural Nebraska is critical to the well-being of the communities we serve, and we are proud to partner with those bridging the care gap,” said Frank Clepper, plan president for Molina Healthcare of Nebraska. “This testing is particularly important to our youth. Identification of lead poisoning at an early age gives families the opportunity to seek early treatment for what can be asymptomatic ailments.”

The three recipients of the $10,000 grants are:

East Central District Health Department – serving Boone, Colfax, Nance, and Platte counties.

“Being able to offer the test to families that might not get tested with their medical provider but could be exposed with their daily activities could help us determine areas of risk but also help those families identify daily risks as well,” said Sami Hawthorne, health services supervisor at East Central District Health Department. “With Molina’s help we can bring awareness to lead risks within our communities as well by educating them on what to look for.”

Panhandle Public Health District – serving Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux counties.

“Thanks to the generous support from Molina, the Panhandle will expand lead testing through the Maternal and Family Health Services Mobile Unit, bringing coordinated healthcare and social services directly into our most rural communities,” said Jessica Davies, health director for Panhandle Public Health District. “This investment strengthens our growing lead program, which includes testing, follow-up for elevated blood lead levels, certified lead risk assessors, and the ability to remediate qualifying homes through HUD Lead Capacity and Lead Hazard Reduction funding.”

Public Health Solutions – serving Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Saline, and Thayer counties.

“Molina’s commitment to addressing lead exposure aligns closely with our mission to improve outcomes for pregnant women, infants, and children,” said Angela Johnson, children and family wellness manager for Public Health Solutions. “We extend our sincere appreciation to Molina Healthcare for providing the lead testing machine that will be utilized on our Maternal Mobile Health Clinic, launching in early 2027. This support will allow us to bring accessible lead screening and education directly to families and strengthen our collective efforts to create healthier communities.”

About Molina Healthcare of Nebraska

Molina Healthcare of Nebraska, Inc., provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through the Medicaid program in Nebraska. Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare, please visit MolinaHealthcare.com.

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