We Need YOU: Volunteer Opportunities with NCDHD

The North Central District Health Department is expanding two community health programs — and we need people like you to help make them a lasting success!

We're actively recruiting volunteers for two ongoing programs: monthly blood pressure check stations across the district, and Bingocize® instructor positions in communities across the district, with more sites being added throughout the year.

These aren't one-time events — both programs are built to continue long-term, and the volunteers who step up now will be part of something that keeps growing. Whether you have just a few hours a month to spare or you're looking for a more regular commitment, there's a role for you. Read on to find out how you can make a lasting difference in your neighbors' health.

🩺 Volunteer for Blood Pressure Check Stations — Any Community Welcome!

High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke — and many people don't even know they have it. NCDHD is setting up monthly blood pressure check stations at local pharmacies and public buildings across the district, and we're looking for volunteers in any community to help staff them.

This is an ongoing program — once a station is up and running in your community, it keeps going month after month, building a consistent resource that your neighbors can count on. It's a low-commitment, high-impact way to be part of something that lasts. Here's what's involved:

• Take blood pressures at a check station once a month (about 2 hours total)

• Share brief health education materials — provided by NCDHD

• Run a simple prize drawing for participants

• Choose a consistent date that works for your schedule (for example, the first Monday of the month or the closest weekday to a set date)

  
  

You don't need to be a nurse. If you know how to take a blood pressure, you qualify. NCDHD provides everything you need — the cuff, station setup, education handouts, talking points, giveaway prizes, and ongoing training and support from our staff. All you bring is your time and a desire to help your community.

🎱 Bingocize® Is Coming to Your Area — And We Need Instructors!

Bingocize® classes are already getting off the ground across the district, and we need community volunteers to help keep them going and growing. Here's where things currently stand:

• Stuart and the Creighton area — Classes are launching late spring

• Butte, Orchard, and Ewing — Classes begin early June, with an NCDHD staff member getting things started

That last point is where we especially need your help. The Butte, Orchard, and Ewing classes will be up and running by early June, but we're looking for local volunteers to take over instruction in those communities at the end of summer so the classes can continue into the fall and beyond. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into an already-established class with participants who are engaged and excited — all the hard work of launching is already done!

Beyond those communities, NCDHD is also planning to add at least two more sites to the program and is actively looking for instructors and interested communities. This program is built to keep growing year after year.

What is Bingocize®?

Bingocize® is a 10-week, evidence-based health program that combines exercise and health education with — you guessed it — Bingo! Developed by Dr. Jason Crandall and approved by both the SNAP-Ed program and the National Council on Aging (NCOA), Bingocize® has been shown to improve functional fitness, increase social engagement, and boost health knowledge in older adults. Classes meet twice a week on nonconsecutive days and last about 45 to 60 minutes. It's a genuinely fun experience for participants, and instructors love it too.

What does an instructor do?

As a Bingocize® instructor, you'd lead classes in your home community — bringing neighbors together for movement, learning, and a little friendly competition. Instructors can offer up to three reimbursable 10-week sessions per year and can continue teaching beyond that. NCDHD handles the advertising, supplies all materials and prizes, and provides full training at no cost to you.

Here's what NCDHD provides:

• All instructor training and certification (paid for by NCDHD)

• All program materials — bingo supplies, resistance bands, curriculum books, and more

• 60 prizes per 10-week session

• Customized class flyers and local media promotion

• Ongoing support from the NCDHD Bingocize® Program Coordinator

  
  

Is there a stipend? Yes! Instructors who meet program requirements can receive up to $400 per completed 10-week course. And if you work in a health or human services field, instructor training may also qualify for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in nursing, social work, therapeutic recreation, and other disciplines.

Want to bring Bingocize® to a different community? If you live somewhere not yet on our list and you'd love to see a class in your town, we want to hear from you! NCDHD is actively looking to add new sites, and the right local volunteer can make it happen.

Want to participate in a class rather than teach one? That's great too! Reach out and we can connect you with classes in your area as they get scheduled.

For any of the above — whether you want to instruct, take over an existing class, participate, or just learn more — contact Jennifer Booker at NCDHD: 402-336-2406 or jennifer@ncdhd.ne.gov

Why It Matters

Rural communities often have fewer options for structured health programs and preventive screenings. These two initiatives are designed specifically to change that — putting wellness resources right in the heart of our communities, led by people who know and care about their neighbors. Whether you're staffing a blood pressure station for two hours a month or leading a 10-week Bingocize® class, your contribution makes a measurable difference in the health of those around you — now and for years to come.

Questions about either program? Reach out to Jennifer Booker at NCDHD — 402-336-2406 or jennifer@ncdhd.ne.gov. We'd love to talk with you!