Nebraska Methodist College Hosts Healthcare-Focused Children’s Workshop

Nebraska Methodist College Hosts Healthcare-Focused Children’s Book Workshop to Address Social Determinants of Health

Omaha, Neb. - Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) is taking an innovative approach to combating the rise of negative social determinants of health by empowering nurses to become authors. Through a first-of-its-kind continuing education workshop, NMC hosted leaders from Unite for Literacy - a free online children’s library based in Colorado with an international reach - to guide students and faculty in writing healthcare-focused children’s books designed to simplify complex health topics for young readers. The initiative was recently featured by KETV in a story highlighting how Nebraska nurses are creating picture books to address critical health literacy gaps. Read the full coverage here.

More than 20 NMC faculty and staff and faculty members participated in the immersive workshop, learning the craft of children’s book writing with the goal of publishing a series of age-appropriate, accessible books on essential health and wellness topics. These books will be made freely available both online and within the community, expanding access to reliable health information for families.

“KETV dropped by campus to spotlight this important partnership and its mission,” said Dr. Mindy Barna, Dean of Nursing and Vice President of Nursing Operations. “Health literacy starts early. By equipping nurses to translate medical knowledge into language children can understand, we’re proactively addressing barriers that contribute to long-term health disparities.”

Jillian Krumbach, NMC’s Director of Undergraduate Nursing and author of Is it a Fever, was featured in the coverage. The story is scheduled to air Sunday at 10 p.m. and underscores the growing recognition of NMC’s commitment to innovative, community-centered solutions.

Watch highlights from the workshop on the NMC Facebook or NMC Instagram accounts.

The workshop aligns with Nebraska Methodist College’s broader mission to prepare healthcare professionals to lead with compassion, creativity and impact - through multiple degree and program offerings, including:

• Allied Health Degrees
• Healthcare Management Degrees
• Online Programs
• Professional Development & Learning Center

Nebraska Methodist College continues to address healthcare challenges from multiple angles, bolstered by the belief that healthcare education extends beyond the classroom and into the community. Initiatives like the healthcare-focused children’s book workshop demonstrate NMC’s commitment to addressing social determinants of health through creativity, collaboration and leadership.

Nebraska Methodist College offers innovative programs designed to prepare graduates to make a meaningful impact. From hands-on clinical training to community-driven initiatives, NMC empowers students to lead with knowledge, compassion and purpose.

For those looking to further examine what the social determinants of health are, explore academic programs, connect with admissions or learn how you can be part of initiatives that strengthen health literacy and community well-being by visiting our website.

Due to the success of this workshop this initiative will be incorporated into service-based courses, across all areas of study, beginning in 2027. Together, we can build healthier communities — one student, one patient and one story at a time.