Protecting Nebraska’s Families:
CDC Injury Prevention Center

America is starting to turn the tide on overdose deaths and suicide. U.S. overdose deaths declined by nearly 27% in 2024, and we can’t stop that momentum. The path to saving more lives requires solutions that work.

The CDC National Center for Injury Prevention and Control is America's leader on preventing overdose and suicide.

Nebraska receives critical funding from the CDC Injury Center to prevent overdose and suicide.

  • $2,481,533

    to the Nebraska state health department to track and address overdoses

  • $890,000

    CDC Injury Prevention Center to fund overdose prevention programs in Douglas County

  • $755,000

    for Nebraska suicide prevention programs

  • $202,245

    for the National Violent Death Reporting System, which provides Nebraska with vital state-specific data to inform targeted, evidence-based prevention strategies that save lives across the state

  • 3

    community coalitions in Nebraska each receive up to $125,000 per year through the Drug-Free Communities program

Meet Nebraskans who are making a difference through efforts funded by the CDC Injury Center.

  • In Kearney, the Lifesaving Power of Resilience and Community Support

    Hayley Jelinek is an enthusiastic and energetic health educator, committed to turning her pain into prevention. She can be found running game show-style medication safety training sessions at senior centers, educating high school students about the risks of substance misuse, and delivering naloxone to local bars.

    Jelinek’s professional story is intertwined with a family tragedy that happened in the summer of 2021. Her son Ehan died of acute intoxication from tianeptine, an over-the-counter supplement readily available in gas stations and marketed as a mood enhancer that can also improve cognitive function. 

    Read more

  • Hidden Injuries: Brain Health, Prevention, and Inspiring Strength in Nebraska

    “I came to understand that all my life I’d been experiencing the symptoms and side effects of multiple brain injuries,” Shir Smith said. “I didn’t have any idea until an injury prevention educator came to our place of work.”

    That realization brought new clarity and spurred a lifelong commitment to helping others better understand their brains and how past injuries can have current impact. Smith’s lived experiences — which include her own struggles with alcohol and methamphetamines — have given her a nuanced perspective about brain injury, its impact, and how to move forward.

    Read more

80% of CDC Injury Center dollars go directly back into communities to serve families, veterans, and first responders.

Take Action

The President’s budget request to Congress proposed to eliminate funding for the CDC Injury Center.

Protect $761 million in critical funding to the CDC Injury Center so that our work can continue.

An investment in overdose and suicide prevention is a strategic investment in a healthier, more productive society.