Health Communications Specialist Brings Storytelling Experience To Douglas County Public Health Efforts

For Lou Rush, communication has always been about helping people understand the world around them.

Now, as a health communications specialist with the Douglas County Health Department’s Division of Public Health Strategy, Innovation, & Planning, she is applying that mindset to public health — helping ensure residents have access to the information they need to stay safe and healthy.

“What drew me to the position the most was the opportunity to help uplift and support the health of our Douglas County residents,” Rush said. “Being part of work that helps families feel safer, healthier, and more empowered is both a privilege and a responsibility I am excited to embrace.”

Rush brings a background in journalism and nonprofit communications that centers on storytelling and community engagement. She previously worked at KETV and KMTV, directing the 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts and producing the weekend morning newscast. Most recently, she served as communications manager at OutNebraska, a local nonprofit dedicated to educating and advocating for LGBTQ+ Nebraskans.

Her work now focuses on shaping how the health department communicates with the public and sharing information that supports the well-being of Douglas County residents.

“One thing I am excited about is helping grow and expand the communications department at DCHD,” she said. “I believe communications is the heartbeat of an organization, so I am excited to grow alongside DCHD.”

Clear, accessible information plays a key role in strengthening communities and helping residents make informed decisions about their health.

“By empowering Douglas County residents with the knowledge, they need to live happier, healthier lives, they can flourish, and in turn, so can Douglas County.”

That ability to see tangible impact in the community continues to motivate her work.

“Just seeing the effects and change that happens in our community, and also seeing the work my colleagues are doing, it really motivates me.”

For Rush, public service is ultimately about collective effort and shared responsibility.

“Public service means uplifting others and doing your part in the community,” she said. “It may seem small, but it takes all of us to make a difference and strengthen Douglas County, no matter how big or small.”

Rush is originally from Omaha, though she jokes she used to tell people she was from New York. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, hot yoga, going to concerts and traveling. She also has a few stories from her media career, including working as a production assistant for a Netflix stand-up special and meeting pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen several times.

As she settles into her new role, Rush hopes to connect with colleagues across the organization.

“I’m excited to be part of the team and can’t wait to learn more about Douglas County,” she said. “Please feel free to stop by and say hello. My office is the pink one, so you can’t miss it!”

Fifteen Years, Countless Lives Touched: Justin Stoll’s Calling At DCHC

When Justin Stoll began working as a certified nursing assistant at Douglas County Health Center in February 2011, he quickly realized he had found more than just a job.

“From the first month, I could tell I had made the right decision,” Stoll said. “My co-workers cared about the residents. Management cared about me. And the benefits were amazing.”

What started as a new career soon grew into something deeper. Over the past 15 years, Stoll has built lasting relationships with the residents he serves each day. Through moments of joy, loss, laughter, and challenge, those connections have shaped both his work and his life.

“I’ve grown to love the residents,” Stoll said. “We’ve gone through good times and bad together. Fifteen years of my life I have invested into the people I get to care for every day.”

For Stoll, caring for residents means understanding something many people never think about. Moving into long-term care is rarely part of anyone’s life plan. That perspective drives how he approaches each shift.

“No one plans to move into a nursing home when they get older,” he said. “Not one of the residents is living there because it was their retirement dream. So every moment I’m at DCHC, I think about how I can make their lives just a little better.”

Sometimes that means helping with daily care. Other times it means offering a conversation, a moment of encouragement, or simply being present.

“What other job could supply me with so many friends?” Stoll said.

Those shared moments reflect the heart of long-term care. At Douglas County Health Center, Stoll says the work is about more than tasks and routines. It is about community.

“I defend the community I work with like my family,” he said.

As he looks ahead to the future, Stoll knows the place and the people he serves will always remain part of his life.

“I deeply love DCHC and am proud to have built my career here,” he said. “Even when I think about retirement someday, I wonder how I’ll still find ways to serve this community.”

After 15 years, one thing remains clear: caring for others is his calling.

Employee Author Feature: William Young Shares Stories Behind Corrections Work 

William Young has spent more than two decades serving the Douglas County Department of Corrections. Since joining the department in March 2005, he has built a career focused on supporting both the staff who work inside the facility and the culture that shapes their experience.

Today, Young serves as the department’s Wellness and Retention Coordinator, a role that reflects his long-standing commitment to helping correctional professionals navigate the unique challenges of the job.

Before stepping into this position, Young worked as a correctional officer. That experience inspired him to begin writing about the realities of working in corrections and the lasting impact the profession can have on staff and their families.

Young is the author of several books that explore the emotional, psychological, and cultural challenges of correctional work. His titles include When Home Becomes a Housing Unit, The Nothing That Never Happened, and Trained to Change: The Unfortunate and Unintentional Consequences of the Correctional Curriculum. He has also written a fiction novel, Katie Mae’s Last Day, which explores the human side of the correctional environment through storytelling.

Through his writing and speaking, Young hopes to raise awareness of the unseen pressures correctional staff face and encourage conversations about wellness and support within the profession.

His books are available on Amazon by searching the titles or his name, William Young.

After more than 20 years with the department, Young continues to advocate for the people behind the badge and the importance of caring for those who serve inside the walls.

Discounted Omaha Lancers Tickets For All Employees 

Douglas County is once again teaming up with the Omaha Lancers and community behavioral health partners to spotlight an important message: mental health matters.

Employees and their families are invited to attend Mental Health Awareness Night when the Omaha Lancers take on the Lincoln Stars on Sunday, March 15, at 5:05 p.m. at Liberty First Credit Union Arena in Ralston. The event brings together local organizations committed to raising awareness of mental health resources and encouraging open conversations about well-being in our community.

As part of the evening’s program, the Douglas County Community Mental Health Center will be recognized for its longstanding commitment to behavioral health services and the vital role it plays in supporting individuals and families across Douglas County.

Douglas County employees and their families can purchase discounted tickets for $15 through the special event link below. Whether you’re a hockey fan or simply looking for a fun way to support an important cause, the night promises to be a meaningful opportunity to connect, raise awareness, and show support for mental health in our community.

Discounted tickets are available here:
https://libertyfirstcreditunionarena.evenue.net/promotions/MENTALHEALTH

Bring your family and friends and join us for an evening of hockey, community, and support for mental health awareness.

Mental Health Services through BCBS

• Support and resources are available to BCBS plan participants. 

• Visit NebraskaBlue.com/MentalHealth to find: 

  • • Emergency response contacts and mental health resources.

    • In-network doctors and therapists for in-person or virtual visits.

    • Nurse-supported programs that are included with your health plan.

    • Detailed information to help you identify mental health issues and how to get help.

• In crisis?  

  • 988Lifeline: Call or Text 988

  • Boys Town 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 800-448-3000

    • Open 24/7 and staffed by specially training Boys Town counselors

457 Supplemental Retirement Plans

• Allows for pre-tax deductions to save for retirement.

• Options available through 2 vendors - Voya or Nationwide.  

• What is a 457 plan? Read more here. 

• Look up vendor contact information in the Benefit Guide (page 34) on the new benefits website. 

YMCA Membership Fees - Payroll Deduction

• Employees may elect to pay YMCA membership fees through payroll deductions on the second check of each month. 

• Checkout the Benefit Guide (page 18) for more information.  

Congratulations!

RETIREMENTS

• Karen Kucirek - Community Mental Health Center

• Joseph Godek - Corrections

• Tom Wzorek - Public Property

• Melinda Currans - Public Defender

PROMOTIONS

• Gregory Kusek - Clerk

• Brian Herring - 911 Communications

• Nasire Perry - Community Mental Health Center

• Barbara Swircek - Corrections

• Christy Lenihan - Health Center

• Dy'Mon Coleman - Health Center

• Michelle Willits - Health Center

• Jennifer Dunbar Maggett - Health Department

• Nick Ross - Purchasing