WCHS Hosts Heart Healthy Lunch & Learn
February 18, 2026
Winnebago, NE – Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System (WCHS) recently hosted a
successful Heart Healthy Lunch & Learn Event at Whirling Thunder Wellness Center. Community
members gathered for an afternoon centered on education, prevention, and strengthening heart
health in Winnebago, NE.
Heart disease continues to disproportionately affect Native American communities and remains
the leading cause of death among Native people nationwide. The higher rates of diabetes, high
blood pressure, and smoking commercial tobacco that are seen in WCHS patients all contribute to
increased cardiovascular risk. Heart disease develops at younger ages in many Native
communities, including Winnebago. This makes early education, prevention efforts, and routine
screenings critical. By increasing awareness, WCHS’s Public Health Nursing team supports and
empowers their relatives and patients to take meaningful steps towards heart health.
Guests enjoyed informational booths, a nutritious meal prepared by Mary Kelsey during a lunch &
learn presentation led by guest speaker Ashleen Blackbird, DNP, NP. Dr. Blackbird shared
guidance on recognizing risk factors, understanding personal health numbers, and making realistic
lifestyle changes to support long-term cardiovascular wellness.
“It was truly encouraging to see so many community members come together to learn about heart
health,” said Carla Olsen-Griffin, Public Health Nursing Director. “Heart disease continues to
affect our people at high rates, but when we understand our risk factors and take small, consistent
steps toward healthier habits, we can make a lasting impact for ourselves and our families.”
The event emphasized the importance of routine screenings, healthy nutrition, physical activity,
and community support in reducing heart disease risk. Opportunities like this reflect WCHS’s
continued commitment to promoting education, prevention, and accessible healthcare resources
for the community.