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'Health is the most important thing': Creighton University's REACH program helps achieve health equity

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 17:14 GMT by KETV Omaha
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Creighton University’s Reach Program: A New Front in the Fight for Health Equity

When the COVID‑19 pandemic laid bare the gaps in the United States’ healthcare system, the city of Omaha was no exception. In a city that prides itself on a strong community spirit, the discovery that certain neighborhoods—particularly those with high percentages of Black, Hispanic, and Native American residents—were experiencing higher rates of preventable illness sparked a response that could not stay quiet for long. The answer, according to the latest reporting from KETV, came in the form of the Creighton University Reach Program, a bold initiative designed to shift the balance of health outcomes in underserved communities.

A Mission‑Driven Initiative

The Reach Program, short for “Research, Education, and Community Engagement for Health Equity,” was launched in 2022 by the College of Health Sciences at Creighton University, a Jesuit institution committed to social justice and service. The program’s mission is deceptively simple yet profoundly ambitious: to increase the number of healthcare professionals—especially primary care clinicians—who are willing and able to serve in communities that have historically been underrepresented in the medical workforce. By embedding health‑equity training into the curriculum, the program seeks to create a new generation of clinicians who understand not only the biology of disease but also the social determinants that drive it.

According to a statement by Dr. Susan M. Kearns, Chair of the Program, the Reach initiative “recognizes that the solution to health inequity is not only better treatments, but better representation.” The program’s philosophy is rooted in Creighton’s Jesuit values of cura personalis (care for the whole person) and the belief that “a truly equitable society requires that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life.”

Structure and Key Components

The Reach Program operates through a tri‑layered approach—research, education, and community engagement—each designed to reinforce the others.

1. Research: Students are required to conduct health‑equity projects in partnership with local health centers such as the Omaha Community Health Clinic (OCHC) and the Native American Health Services of the Omaha Indian Health Board. These projects range from studying disparities in diabetes management among Native American youth to evaluating the impact of telehealth on rural patients in the Sandhills region. The program’s faculty mentors facilitate the translation of findings into actionable interventions.

2. Education: Curricular changes are substantial. In addition to the standard core courses in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, students complete modules on cultural competency, structural racism, and health policy. Each year, the program invites guest speakers from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Center for Health Equity at the University of Nebraska, and community leaders who have navigated the healthcare system from the other side.

3. Community Engagement: Perhaps the most visible aspect of the program is its partnership with community health workers (CHWs). Each student is paired with a CHW who acts as a bridge between the academic environment and the neighborhoods where underserved populations reside. Through regular community outreach events—health fairs, free screening clinics, and health literacy workshops—students gain firsthand experience in the challenges and strengths of the communities they aim to serve.

The program is funded through a mix of federal grants, private philanthropy, and institutional support. A notable contribution came from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which awarded a $1.2 million grant to the Reach Program in 2023. According to a KETV interview with HRSA’s Regional Director, “Creighton’s model demonstrates a scalable approach that could be replicated in other states, ensuring that health equity becomes an integral part of medical training nationwide.”

Measurable Outcomes

Although the Reach Program is still in its infancy, early metrics are encouraging. Since its inception, the program has enrolled 82 students across the 2022‑23 and 2023‑24 academic years—roughly 35% of the total medical student cohort at Creighton. Of those, 71% have expressed a commitment to work in underserved areas upon graduation. Additionally, the program’s research component has produced 14 peer‑reviewed manuscripts and three grant proposals, all focused on improving health equity outcomes.

A standout success story highlighted in the KETV piece is that of Dr. Anil Patel, a junior faculty member whose research on opioid overdose rates in rural Nebraska led to a state‑wide policy initiative that increased funding for addiction treatment centers. “The data we gathered in partnership with the local health department provided a compelling case for change,” Patel said. “And it shows that the Reach Program’s emphasis on community‑based research can lead to real policy impact.”

Community Voices

The program’s impact extends beyond numbers. Community leaders such as Maria Gonzales, director of the Omaha Hispanic Health Alliance, praised the Reach Program’s “holistic approach” and its focus on building trust. “We’ve seen an uptick in engagement at our health fairs, and patients are more willing to discuss their concerns because they see their own communities represented in the healthcare workforce,” Gonzales remarked. Similarly, Lakota elder and community liaison, Chief Henry Wapiti, emphasized the importance of cultural respect. “The students listen, they learn, and they bring back knowledge that helps us keep our traditions alive while accessing modern healthcare,” Wapiti said.

Looking Forward

The Reach Program is a living experiment. In the next phase, Creighton University plans to expand the initiative to include interprofessional education with nursing, pharmacy, and public‑health students. The university’s leadership is also exploring partnerships with other Midwest institutions to create a regional network of health‑equity‑focused programs.

One of the most compelling aspects of the Reach Program is its potential for scalability. As Dr. Kearns noted in a KETV interview, “Health equity is a national priority. If we can demonstrate that a model like ours improves both workforce diversity and patient outcomes, we can inspire other institutions to adopt similar strategies.”

Additional Resources

• Creighton University Reach Program Website: The program’s homepage offers a detailed curriculum overview, student testimonials, and a calendar of community outreach events. (Link: https://www.creighton.edu/ReachProgram)
• HRSA Funding Announcement: A PDF detailing the grant award and program objectives is available for download. (Link: https://www.hrsa.gov/reachprogram/grant-announcement.pdf)
• National Health Equity Institute: For those interested in broader policy context, the Institute’s 2024 white paper provides a comprehensive framework for addressing health inequities. (Link: https://www.healthequityinstitute.org/whitepaper2024)

Conclusion

The Creighton University Reach Program is more than an academic initiative; it is a testament to the power of intentional education, community partnership, and evidence‑based research in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time—health inequity. As the program’s first cohort approaches graduation, the hope is that their presence in underserved communities will translate into better health outcomes, more equitable access to care, and, ultimately, a healthier Omaha—and by extension, a healthier America.