Rescue Squad
The volunteer rescue squad is supported with 14 Emergency Medical Technicians and 6 First Responders responding to rescue calls with a fully equipped ambulance. Equipment includes a cellular phone, automatic blood pressure machine, semi-automatic defibrillator with pulse oximeter, full assortment of splints, jaws of life, oxygen, and other basic life support equipment.

Hospitals
The Annie Jeffrey Memorial County Health Center, located in Osceola, is a 21-bed acute and skilled care hospital licensed by the state. The Health Center is owned by Polk County and governed by a five-member Board of Trustees appointed by the County Commissioners. To reach the health center, call (402) 747-2031 or visit their site at: http://www.anniejeffreyhospital.org/

Services available include: acute care, coronary and intensive care, swing bed, intermediate care, 24-hour emergency room, labor/delivery/recovery/ postpartum birthing suite, general and microscopic surgery, radiology (fluoroscopy, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, mammography, CT, and MRI), laboratory, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, pharmacy, social services, cardiac rehabilitation, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Other services provided by the Health Care include: Lifeline (emergency response system in coordination with the Polk County Law Enforcement Center and the local rescue squads), a fully equipped wellness center available to the community for exercise programs, numerous classes and programs, and a large variety of specialty out-patient clinics (cardiology; OB/gynecology; general surgery; orthopedics; podiatry; ear, nose & throat or otorhinolaryngology; pulmonology; and urology).

Annie Jeffrey enjoys a management arrangement with St. Elizabeth Community Health Center in Lincoln, which provides administrative staff as well as education and training in operations and management of all areas of the Health Center.

Other medical facilities utilized by Shelby residents include the Butler County Health Care Center in David City, 18 miles east and the Columbus Community Hospital in Columbus, 20 miles north of Shelby.

Polk County Health Department
The Polk County Health Department (PCHD) has developed into a multi-faceted department since its beginning in 1978. The PCHD is governed by the Polk County Health Board, the Annie Jeffrey Memorial County Health Center, and the Polk County Board of Commissioners. To reach the Polk County Health Department, call (402) 747-2211.

Home health services include: skilled nursing, home health aide, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, and speech therapy. Reimbursement for services are received through Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance, and private pay. An average of 300-400 home visits are made monthly by department personnel.

Through community assessment and policy development, the Health Department offers many programs to meet the community's needs. On-going presentations include CPR, first aid training, tobacco prevention, and babysitting classes. All Polk County schools receive general screenings and assistance with health service and education programs. The PCHD also offers a number of clinic services such as childhood and adult immunizations, blood pressure checks, diabetes, cholesterol checks, blood level screenings, and pedicures.

Assurance of adequate access to health care services is another role of the Health Department. Education and outreach activities designed to reach those who lack primary health care services is the mission of a local corporation, Community Access To Coordinated Healthcare, Inc. (CATCH). CATCH, Inc. serves the 15 rural counties in Southeast Nebraska.

Nursing Homes
Osceola Good Samaritan Center is a 57-bed Medicaid/Medicare certified Intensive Care Facility (ICF) established in 1962. Renovated and remodeled, the center has an excellent reputation for quality throughout Polk County and the state of Nebraska. The facility is part of the largest nonprofit provider of long-term care -- The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, recognized nationwide as the leader in long-term care. The center offers 24-hour nursing care, short- or long-term rehabilitative stays, all restorative therapies (physical, occupational, and speech), adult day care, varied activities programs, and numerous special events year-round. For further information, call (402) 747-2691 or visit the Good Samaritan Web site at: http://www.good-sam.com.

Veterinary Care
The Osceola Veterinary Hospital is a full service hospital located on East Highway 81 and 92, seven miles west of Shelby. Two veterinarians treat large and small animals. Boarding, grooming, and animal health products are available. For further information, call (402) 747-2511.