Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Dept.

Hello HealthToGo

More than 23,000 health and hygiene products have been dispensed through Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department’s new HealthToGo vending machines since they launched in January 2026.

The five HealthToGo machines are installed throughout the city and offer community members access to health, hygiene, and safety supplies at no cost.

The Health Department also created an inventory dashboard so people can see what items are currently in stock in each machine. The dashboard is updated every six hours.

Learn about the items available, machine locations, and more in their November highlight.

Dr. Katelyn Jetelina is an epidemiologist with a Masters in Public Health and a PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. The latest from Dr. Jetelina:

MEASLES: Measles rates are now more than double last year’s. Pennsylvania is the epicenter with 1,338 cases. Indiana has just reported a 63% case increase in one week.

FLU: Flu (specifically the number of people testing positive) has now overtaken Covid-19 in every region of the country. Flu continues to make its mark early (including a concerning bird flu outbreak), and CDC expects a winter about as heavy as last season’s for respiratory viruses.

SNAP: Research shows SNAP effectively lifts families out of poverty, reduces food insecurity, and supports local economies. But in the past year, SNAP participation has fallen by more than 5 million, including about 2 million children. Enrollment is now at a 17-year low.

Read more from Dr. Jetelina.

YWCA Lincoln

Empowering Youth and Families

The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

A wide variety of youth development programs mentor and empower, provide support and connection, teach leadership skills, and embolden youth to reach their full potential.

To help ease holiday buying stress, the YWCA is offering a special Financial Literacy seminar to help participants find practical ways to manage holiday spending, find thoughtful gifts without overspending, and enjoy the season while staying on budget and avoiding holiday debt.

Read more in their November highlight.

Guides Offer

Information on Local Resources

The 3rd annual Pregnancy & Postpartum Resource guides are now available to download in English or Spanish.

Moms, moms-to-be, and families can find information about where to access resources like:

• Food distribution and nutrition education
• Free and low cost transportation to prenatal medical appoinments
• Care coordination
• Perinatal depression support
• Home visitation programs
• Breastfeeding support
• Diaper banks
• Free and income-based prenatal insurance options

Print copies will also be available at cultural centers, clinics, Salvation Army, Good Neighborhood Center, Center for People, and other nonprofits in Lincoln.

Lincoln Youth Fitness Initiative

All Kids Bike Project

Kids can live longer, healthier lives and lower their risk of chronic diseases by being physically active. Yet almost 30% of Lincoln’s children do not meet aerobic fitness standards.

The Lincoln Youth Fitness Initiative, led by the Nebraska Sports Council, Lincoln YMCA, and Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln are working to improve access to physical activity and sports participation opportunities, especially for kids from neighborhoods where fitness rates are the lowest.

Their first project is teaching kids in all the Lincoln elementary schools to ride a bicycle because cycling is one of the best ways for kids to get and stay fit.

Lincoln businesses and organizations can help by donating to the All Kids Bike Project to place bike training kits, helmets and bike safety education in P.E. classes. Learn more.

What's New to View

Check out the latest:

• Farm to School, Nebraska Specialty Crops video featuring a local producer of sweet corn.

• See all the Farm to School and Harvest of the Month videos.

• Dance for Parkinson's featuring tunes from West Side Story. These dance exercises help those living with Parkinson's disease improve balance, stability, coordination, posture, and lower fall risks. They also enhance gait and movement.

Find more LNKTV Health videos:

• on their website,
• You Tube channel,
• TV channels, and
• on KZUM FM radio podcasts!

Pioneers Park Nature Center 
Wild Fall Festival

Families, nature enthusiasts, and community members are invited to celebrate the changing seasons and Bison Day, Nov. 7, 10AM-2PM. Free and open to all ages. Some presentations and activities require tickets or advance registration.

The Wild Fall Festival highlights the nature, history, and wildlife of the tallgrass prairie through hands‑on activities, guided exploration, and educational experiences. More info, visit the Nature Center’s website, or call, 402-441-7895.  

Garden Gathering

The LPS 2Q Garden Gathering is November 10, in the Multipurpose Room at LPS Science Focus Program, 5:30-7:00PM.

Free and open to anyone interested in school gardens, outdoor learning, and natural resources. No previous school gardening experience is required to attend. Register/learn more. 

Winter Clothing Drive

Now through Nov. 13, CenterPointe is hosting its annual Winter Essentials Donation Drive to collect new or gently used winter clothing and other items for those in need. 

Coats, gloves, hats, scarves, blankets, sleeping bags, new socks, and kids' toys are being accepted. Drop off locations/more info.

Aging Partners

Digital Literacy Classes

Digital Literacy sessions for seniors still have openings on Nov. 9, 18, 23, and Dec. 7 at Victory Park, 600 S. 70th St. UNL students will be there to help with all your device questions.

If you would like 1-on-1 assistance with your smartphone, tablet or laptop, call 402-441-7158 to make an appointment.

Community Crops

November Classes

Preserving Your Harvest:



• Putting Everything to Use - All About Stocks and Broths Nov. 12 , 6-8PM
• Make it Ahead and Save it for Later – Soups, Nov. 19, 6-8PM

More info/ register

Salvation Army -Tree of Lights

The kickoff for the 2026 Tree of Lights Campaign, is November 13, 5:30-7:00PM, at the Salvation Army, 2625 Potter St.

Activities include family-friendly holiday celebrations, live music the official lighting of the tree to launch the seasonal red kettle campaign, and the opportunity to see Santa Claus and his elves.

YMCA Turkey Trot

Registration is now open for the annual YMCA Turkey Trot sponsored by Union Bank and Trust, on Nov. 26 in the Haymarket Railyard, 350 Canopy St. Proceeds benefit YMCA programs.

1k and 5K races for families and individuals. Start times between 7:45 and 9:15AM.

Register/more information.

Lincoln Track Club Holiday Run

Registration is open for Lincoln Track Club Holiday Run benefiting the Capital Humane Society.

The race is scheduled for December 6 at 10:00 AM at Pioneers Park.

Choose your distance with a 1-Mile or 5K run. Register/more information.