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ONE HUNDRED NINTH LEGISLATURE
SECOND SESSION
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION 347
Introduced by Spivey, 13; McKinney, 11.
WHEREAS, Ira F. Combs was a pioneer in the public health community and
explicitly the North Omaha community; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Combs had an extensive academic journey that began at Iowa
Western Community College where he graduated cum laude with an Associate's
Degree in Child Development, and culminated when he returned to academia to
earn his Associate's Degree in Nursing from Metropolitan Community College; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Combs was an alumnus of Trinity University and Walden
University and a retired University of Nebraska Medical Center nurse; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Combs was a nationally recognized healthcare leader,
registered nurse, educator, and community advocate whose career spanned more
than four decades of service, leadership, and innovation in healthcare delivery
and health equity; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Combs' life was defined by an unwavering commitment to
improving access to quality healthcare for underserved and minority
populations, particularly within the North Omaha community and other similar
communities across the nation; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Combs founded North Omaha Area Health, Inc. in 1998, and the
health center served as a beacon of hope in the North Omaha community by
providing no cost or low-cost health services, personal health screenings,
health classes, and support groups; and
WHEREAS, in addition to his work in healthcare, Mr. Combs was a prolific
educator serving as a part-time instructor at Metropolitan Community College,
teaching medical science and certified nursing assistant courses, and
delivering keynote addresses and presentations at several conferences; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Combs was deeply involved in civic engagement and served on
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numerous boards and advisory councils including North Omaha Area Health, Omaha
Home for Boys, Black Family Health and Wellness Association, My Sister's
Keeper, and the Mayor's Omaha Police Review Board; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Combs' accomplishments did not go unnoticed and he was
awarded the President Barack Obama Champion of Change Award for Health and
Prevention, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
Community Service Award, the Boy Scouts of America Mid-America Council Whitney
M. Young Jr. Service Award, the Public Health Association of Nebraska Jim Dill
Distinguished Service Award, and the Urban League of Nebraska African American
Leadership Award; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Combs passed away on January 24, 2026, and the Legislature
recognizes his many contributions to healthcare in the community, his
achievements, and his well-lived life.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED NINTH
LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA, SECOND SESSION:
1. That the Legislature expresses and extends its sympathy and condolences
to the family of Ira F. Combs.
2. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the family of Ira F. Combs.
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