Thayer County Health Services

Thayer County Health Services (TCHS) has been an essential part of Hebron, Nebraska, since 1948. What started as a project to convert the Hebron College and Academy into a hospital has evolved into a health center that supports 288 communities within a 50-mile radius. TCHS has a Level IV Trauma Center, a 17-bed Critical Access Hospital, and a growing list of specialties to care for patients.

“Every decision we make, every event we hold, and every project we pursue is ultimately focused on improving the care and experience of those we serve,” says Brian Rokusek, CEO of TCHS. “While our main facility is located in Hebron, we believe our responsibility extends throughout all of Thayer County.”

TCHS continues to invest in satellite clinics and expand its list of providers as its communities grow. “Our goal is simple: to make quality healthcare as accessible as possible and allow the people we serve to receive the care they need close to home,” adds Rokusek.

If you haven’t checked in on TCHS recently, you might be surprised by how it's growing. Learn who is new, what programs are returning this fall, and what’s coming up. 

Meet the New Faces at TCHS

TCHS strives to bring additional healthcare providers to the community. Currently, the hospital welcomes visiting specialists at least monthly, with some doctors arriving bi-weekly or weekly. Additionally, the hospital welcomed a few new team members this year to provide patient support.

Mae Grahek, PA-C, is a recent graduate of Creighton University, where she earned her Physician Assistant degree. She also holds an additional certification in women’s health and uses a root-cause approach to address a variety of women’s health concerns, including infertility.

Alex Stepanek, PA-C, joined TCHS after practicing for approximately a year and a half at Nebraska Pain Institute. While he gained valuable experience in pain management, he wants to transition into family practice and care for a broader range of patients.

“As the needs of our communities continue to evolve, we will continue to seek out additional specialists and explore opportunities to provide more specialty services locally at TCHS, allowing our patients to receive the care they need closer to home,” says Rokusek.

TCHS Supports Students Through Its Sports Medicine Program 

TCHS plays an invaluable role in the community, especially in students' lives. As kids return from summer break, school sports ramp up – and that often leads to a spike in injuries. For its second year, TCHS is running its Sports Medicine Program, which provides comprehensive care, injury prevention, and performance support for student-athletes.

The team involved in this program includes:

• Dr. Barry Bohlen, an orthopedic surgeon
• Steve Williams and Jensen Wenske, physical therapists
• Trev Mumm, physical therapy assistant
• Cambrie Schroder, certified athletic trainer

“We are excited to grow this program and strengthen the continuity of care available to student-athletes in our communities,” says Rokusek. “By bringing these services closer to home and building strong relationships with our local schools and families, we can ensure students have access to the care and support they need throughout their athletic careers.”

A Modernized Facility is on the Horizon

TCHS continues to make repairs and improvements to its existing facility, including fixing drainage problems and updating the parking lot, but major changes are expected in the coming years. TCHS is currently in the early stages of developing a master facility plan to modernize and expand its critical services.

“We believe this is an important step in ensuring we can continue to provide high-quality care close to home while strengthening our role in the community,” says Rokusek. “A modernized facility will also position us to better recruit and retain providers and staff.”

The hospital is aware that construction costs continue to rise, and delaying essential improvements can make them more expensive. The hospital intends to be mindful of its needs and plan an expansion that will support residents for decades, while also recognizing the need to start work soon. 

TCHS is Growing Because of Community Support

The new employees at TCHS, the growth master plan, and increased interest by specialists are a direct result of the Thayer County community trusting the hospital with their care. “We are lucky to serve Thayer County,” says Rokusek. “We truly believe we have some of the best patients, and we are fortunate to be part of a community that continues to support our vision, our growth, and our commitment to local healthcare.”

The TCHS team sees how their work makes a difference in Thayer County. When patients can drive down the street for care rather than travel across Nebraska, they can have better experiences and enjoy the peace of mind that care is minutes away. 

Learn More About Life in Thayer County, Nebraska

Thayer County is growing because residents continue to invest in each other. In the same way that TCHS appreciates the community's support, local businesses are growing because their customers and neighbors are cheering them on.

Learn more about life in Thayer County and what the local business environment is like. If you have any questions or needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Thayer County Economic Development Alliance. We are all working together to build a better future for our corner of Nebraska – and we’d love for you to join in.