In November, we often reflect on gratitude, community and our common responsibility to support one another. This month's newsletter highlights how those values come to life across our campus and community. We have many opportunities to engage, including addressing food insecurity through our second annual Campuswide Food Packaging Event, mentoring youth at STEM Night and participating in Walk with A Doc. With these efforts, we can advance health far beyond the walls of our clinics and hospitals.  

November also recognizes American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. Indigenous communities have made major contributions to our nation, our state and the healthcare professions. At the same time, persistent health inequities point to the importance of listening, learning and partnering with communities to build more equitable care systems. As healthcare professionals, educators, researchers and staff, we each have a role in building environments where everyone around us is valued, respected and empowered to thrive.  

I remain inspired by the dedication of our faculty, staff, trainees and community partners. Your volunteerism, mentorship, advocacy, education and kindness to colleagues strengthen our mission and deepen our impact. Check out the new section in the newsletter highlighting community organizations; some we already partner with and others you may partner with. I encourage you to explore the opportunities highlighted in this newsletter and consider how you might show up, show out and engage with our community this month. 

Thank you for all you do to advance excellence, belonging and health equity. I wish you and your loved ones a meaningful season of gratitude. 

Yours in community,

Jasmine R. Marcelin, MD

This section highlights a community organization that we formally or informally partner with, or one that provides a unique service to our community that supplements the healthcare we provide at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine. Read on to learn about their mission, some key initiatives and how to engage with them! 

The African Immigrant Family Services (AIFS) is a local organization whose mission is to provide culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate services that help African immigrant and refugee families access essential resources, navigate complex systems and achieve economic and social integration in their new communities. They provide services such as case management, advocacy, health screening and education, youth development and mentoring, and cultural support to over 12,000 predominantly French-speaking community members.

One of their initiatives is AIFS WebTV, a YouTube-based community media platform that shares trusted information in English and French. One regular show on AIFS WebTV is the Better Health Habits (De Meilleures Habitudes de Santé) Show. Hosted by internal medicine department member and public health researcher Dr. Grace Mabiala-Maye (infectious diseases/Specialty Care Center), the show features engaging conversations with health experts and community leaders that explain medical concepts in plain language. Dr. Mabiala welcomes anyone who wishes to speak directly to the public about their expertise to contact her. Subscribe to new episodes, share with patients and community partners, and check out recent episodes featuring our department members:

Dr. Denilsa Navalha (IM HO3) - Cholesterol and Your Heart  

Dr. Jasmine Marcelin (Infectious Diseases) - Food Insecurity and Health 

Dr. Debra Wekesa (Nephrology HO6) - Protecting Your Kidneys  



Click here to volunteer or connect with AIFS 

American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month honors the rich traditions, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples throughout the United States. In Nebraska, American Indian communities continue to fulfill a vital role in the state's cultural, educational, and civic life. Nebraska is home to several federally recognized tribes.

American Indian and Alaska Native communities still face health disparities, including challenges with healthcare access, chronic disease, behavioral health, and other social factors. Research and public health groups highlight the need for culturally responsive care, strong community partnerships, and ongoing support for services that promote health equity. 

In Omaha and Lincoln, the Nebraska Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition offers primary care, behavioral health services, substance use treatment, prevention programs, and community outreach for Indigenous and other underserved groups. Their health and wellness clinics make culturally informed healthcare and preventive services more accessible. 

The Indian Health Service Office of Urban Indian Health Programs notes that Urban Indian Organizations are key in expanding healthcare and public health services for American Indian and Alaska Native people living in cities. 



Learn more

 Men’s Health Awareness Month spotlights the importance of preventive care, routine screenings, and early intervention. According to the CDC National Center for Health Statistics, men in the United States have a life expectancy of 76.5 years, compared with 81.4 years for women.  

This month raises awareness of health issues that commonly affect men, including heart disease, prostate cancer, testicular disorders, mental health concerns, and age-related hormonal changes. Regular checkups, recommended screenings, and attention to physical and psychological health can promote earlier detection, better outcomes, and improved quality of life. National Institutes of Health research priorities include prostate and testicular health as important components of comprehensive men's health.  

Take action this month: Schedule an annual wellness visit, stay current on recommended screenings, know your family health history and encourage the men in your life to seek preventive care. 

Each newsletter will highlight members of our department whose dedication, creativity, and commitment help drive belonging and community engagement forward. Our staff are an essential part of everything we do, and this spotlight is one small way to recognize the individuals who make our mission come alive every day.

Brittany Freeman, an administrative program associate, has been nominated for Staff Spotlight for the professionalism, positivity and quiet excellence she brings to the department every day. Since joining the administration team in June, Brittany has been a shining light, building strong relationships with staff and faculty through her team-oriented attitude and constant support. 

Her nominator shared, “I’m thrilled to work with her any chance I get.” Brittany has a meaningful impact on those around her and helps create a welcoming and supportive environment for all through dedication, kindness and commitment to excellence. 

Want to recognize a colleague for their exemplary work? Thank a co-worker? Give a shoutout to someone you work with? 



Complete the form, and the person you are recognizing will be highlighted and celebrated.

Staff Recognition Form

Our department is enriched by colleagues with diverse religious, cultural and personal identities. In the spirit of respect and belonging, we can strengthen our connections by learning about the traditions, celebrations, and observances that are meaningful to one another. This section is not exhaustive but highlights some of the religious and cultural observances recognized by colleagues across our department.

Diwali - Hinduism

Diwali is a five-day festival of lights observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and many Newar Buddhists, celebrating hope, renewal, and the victory of light over darkness. Customs often include lighting lamps, sharing meals, exchanging gifts, giving to those in need, and gathering with family and friends. Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, Nov. 8, with festivities taking place from Friday, Nov. 6 through Tuesday, Nov. 10.

Join the UNMC Diwali celebration Saturday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m. in the Truhlsen Events Center!

Dr. Dorothy A. Rhoades has committed her career to advancing health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native communities through research, clinical care, and advocacy. A Professor of Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and the inaugural director of the Native American Center for Cancer Health Excellence (NACCHE), she has become a nationally recognized leader in addressing cancer disparities and advancing community-driven approaches to Indigenous health.

A tireless advocate for health equity, Dr. Rhoades has authored an extensive body of peer-reviewed research examining cancer outcomes, tobacco cessation, healthcare access, and health disparities affecting Native communities. Through her work, she has helped strengthen partnerships between tribal nations, healthcare providers, researchers, and community leaders to advance culturally responsive approaches to cancer prevention and care.

Apart from her scientific contributions, Dr. Rhoades is committed to mentorship and service. As a leader within the Association of American Indian Physicians, she has supported Native physicians and improved representation within the healthcare workforce. Her career shows a strong belief that impactful progress occurs when research, medicine, and community partnership work hand in hand.



Through her scholarship, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to Indigenous health, Dr. Rhoades continues to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals and researchers. Her work reminds us that advancing health equity requires not only scientific excellence but also respect, collaboration, and commitment to the communities being served.

Some content in this newsletter was produced with the assistance of Microsoft CoPilot and reviewed by our team for accuracy and clarity.

We are always aiming to improve, so if we missed the mark in any way or you would like to contribute content to the newsletter, please email srafferty@unmc.edu. Thank you!  

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