State Government Health & Human Services

In 1944-45, the federal government began to promote Public Health across the states. At that time, 18 health departments were formed in Nebraska. Out of those 18, only four survived: Hall County (Grand Island), Scotts Bluff County (Scottsbluff), Douglas County (Omaha), and Lancaster County (Lincoln).

We have gone through some changes in the past 62 years of serving our community. Previously known as the Hall County Health Department, the original location of the health department was the 3rd floor of the old City Hall building. In 1979, the Health Department moved yet again to 105 East 1st Street.

In 2001, the Nebraska Legislature passed LB 692, a bill intended to encourage the formation of District Health Departments and cover the entire state of Nebraska with a public health department. At that time the Hall County Health Department reorganized as the Central District Health Department when Hamilton and Merrick counties were added to the service area. In 2003, CDHD moved once more to our current location at 1137 S. Locust Street. If you are familiar with Grand Island, you may know this building as the old Driesbach’s restaurant. We have an office in Merrick County, as well.

The federal requirements allowed the formation of new health departments. Currently, there are 25 health departments in Nebraska. (To view complete list: )

The Central District Health Department is governed by a Board of Health which consists of 11 members: two from Hall County, two from Hamilton County, two from Merrick County, two from the City of Grand Island, a physician representative, a dental representative, and a minority representative.

The core divisions of the Health Department are:
Environmental
Community Health
Women, Infants, Children (WIC) program
Administration