Children’s Nebraska reports $232.9 million in 2024 community benefits; new behavioral health center is over capacity in first month

Children’s Nebraska told the Douglas County Board of Health on Feb. 18 that it recorded $232,900,000 in community benefit expenses for 2024 — about 33.9% of its operating costs — and is rapidly scaling services after unexpectedly high demand at its new Behavioral Health and Wellness Center.

Jen Benson, manager of community benefit and engagement at Children’s Nebraska, said the system divides community benefit reporting into broader community health (about $139 million, roughly 60% of the total and reported under Form 990 Schedule H categories) and uncompensated care (about $93.5 million, roughly 40%). “In 2024, Children’s had $232,900,000 in community benefit expenses overall,” Benson said.

The presentation outlined several community programs. Benson highlighted the Vision Mobile, operating since 2018, which she said has completed about 10,000 vision exams and provided more than 6,300 free pairs of glasses to children in Omaha‑area…