The Lancaster County Medical Society Board of Directors has established a new scholarship for students who are studying to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This scholarship was established to honor former Health Director of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, Pat Lopez.
Pat worked in public health her entire career primarily with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department. Starting as a public health nurse in 1975, she initially retired in 2004 but remained active in public health at the state and national level. She became president of the Public Health Association of Nebraska playing a key role in establishing Nebraska's statewide public health system. In addition, she helped local public health departments become nationally accredited. Pat returned to the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department as interim director in 2019 and became permanent director in 2020. Under her leadership the policies implemented in response to the pandemic resulted in one of the lowest death rates in the state while having one of the highest vaccination rates. After the pandemic, Pat focused on initiatives including the Youth Substance Use Prevention Project and the Family Connection program which provides newborns and families access to public health nurses. She retired in November 2024. Sadly, Pat passed away in March 2025.
Because of Pat’s dedication to public health, the Board found it most fitting to create a scholarship in her name.
Students who have been accepted into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program are eligible to apply for financial assistance. Scholarships will be awarded for distribution in two payments, one for each of their two years of study in the BSN program. Students may apply by completing the online application.
If you are interested in contributing to this scholarship fund, you may do so in Pat’s honor or in the honor of any nurse of your choice. Donate now.
