Butler County Health Receives 2026 Governor’s Wellness Award

Governor Wellness Award Logo
Thursday, September 10, 2026

Butler County Health is proud to announce that its Wellness Staff and Employee Wellness Committee have been honored with the 2026 Governor’s Wellness Award in the Harvester Award category.

The award recognizes organizations that have developed advanced workplace wellness programs and demonstrated high-quality outcomes through innovative, employee-centered initiatives.  The programs honored support employees across multiple areas of well-being, including physical, mental, emotional, social and financial health.

Butler County Health was among 31 Nebraska businesses and organizations recognized with the 2026 Governor’s Wellness Award. The awards highlight employers across the state that are creating cultures where wellness is encouraged, supported and integrated into the workplace.

The Harvester Award represents the highest level of recognition within the Governor’s Wellness Award program. It honors organizations that are reaping the benefits of advanced workplace wellness programs and achieving high-quality outcomes for their employees.

Governor Jim Pillen recognized the importance of workplace wellness during the awards celebration.  “The Governor's Wellness Award recognizes organizations that are leading the way in creating supportive, health-focused workplaces,” said Gov. Pillen. “By making wellness a strategic priority and investing in their employees, these organizations are strengthening engagement, promoting healthier lives, and creating workplaces and communities where people feel empowered to thrive.”

This award is a reflection of Butler County Health’s ongoing commitment to the well-being of its employees. A healthy and supported workforce not only benefits employees and their families, but also contributes to a stronger, healthier community.  The Butler County Health Wellness Staff and Employee Wellness Committee continue to look for meaningful and innovative ways to engage employees and promote whole-person wellness. Their work demonstrates that investing in employee well-being can create positive change both inside the workplace and throughout the community.  Congratulations to the Butler County Health Wellness Staff and Employee Wellness Committee on this well-deserved recognition!

The Parkinson's Empowerment Group at Butler County Health targets so many aspects and symptoms of Parkinson’s. It improves a person’s posture, mobility, balance, and coordination, as well as cognition and ability to multi-task. I also like the flexibility of the program and being able to adjust exercises from each position to fit the need of each individual patient.  

Andy Valenti, Physical Therapist Assistant

My strategy in nutrition coaching is to focus on the positive – what things could we add to increase the variety of healthy foods in your routine?  By focusing on adding more healthy choices, you will not feel deprived as you gradually leave out less nutritious choices.  My goal is to help you get a personalized approach to wellness that you can achieve and maintain with your current lifestyle.

Sandra Burwell, Registered Dietitian

Butler County Health has felt like home to me from the beginning of my employment.  I have spent more than 5 years working in an environment that has challenged me to pursue my nursing skills in many different areas such as the Emergency Department, Obstetrics, Inpatient Care, Outpatient Care and as Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Coordinator.

Tara Palensky, RN

BCH Roots to Shoots Pediatric Therapy Clinic eliminates the need for long commutes to distant facilities like Madonna, allowing Aria to maximize her therapy sessions and educational opportunities.  It is significant for Aria’s overall well-being as it reduces the stress and agitation she had from extended travel.  The staff is like our family to us.

Jennifer Prothman

The communication between us and Leia’s Roots to Shoots therapists is excellent.  We are given the tools and resources to practice techniques at home for ongoing progress and development so she can continue to thrive.  The entire staff at Roots to Shoots goes above and beyond what needs to be done; from teaching her to wear something as simple as a mask, to helping her feel comfortable riding in another vehicle like a school bus.  They are our angels.

Stacey Bykerk

I feel having a 3D mammogram was a blessing for me since it detected my Stage 1 cancer.  The technicians were very helpful as they explained how the machine worked compared to the 2D method.  A big difference is that the 3D machines moves above your head from one size to another and gives a more complete image of the breast.  The testing time also seemed shorter than the standard mammogram.

Judy Dubs

I had a bunion on my foot and I wanted it removed,  but I really didn't want to travel too far to have the procedure done.  So when Butler County Health started providing Podiatry Services, I made an appointment right away.  Dr. Carlston is professional and personable.  He took the time to explain what happens during the procedure and afterwards.

Jill Pokorny

Being able to have my blood drawn at Butler County Health saves me a weekly trip to Omaha.  It is simple to schedule an appointment that works with my schedule and the staff is quick and efficient at drawing my blood samples.

Tanner Zeilinger