Healthcare Grant Brings Concussion Testing Technology to Local Student-Athletes
A meaningful gift is helping KCHS provide another valuable resource for the health and safety of local athletes.
The first project funded through the Healthcare Grant, established through the Richard “Dick” McBride memorial fund with the Kearney County Health Services Medical Foundation, is supporting Sway Balance Testing at Minden Public Schools. This mobile-based medical tool provides objective information to support concussion and stability evaluations.
Ross Oberg, Director of Physical Therapy at KCHS, worked with Minden Public Schools to ensure all 7th–12th grade athletes received baseline testing.
Why Baseline Testing Matters
A concussion can affect balance, reaction time, and other cognitive functions. Sway Medical uses a smartphone or tablet’s built-in motion sensors to measure balance and stability, along with cognitive assessments, providing healthcare professionals with additional information when evaluating a possible concussion.
During balance testing, an individual holds a mobile device against their chest while standing in a series of positions. The device measures movement and postural sway, producing numerical results that can be used to track changes over time.
For student-athletes, establishing a baseline before an injury is especially important. If a concussion is suspected, providers can compare the athlete’s post-injury results with their own baseline to help identify changes and monitor recovery.
“Having baseline information for our student-athletes gives us another valuable tool when a concussion is suspected,” said Ross Oberg, KCHS Director of Physical Therapy at KCHS. “Every athlete is different, and being able to compare their results to their own baseline helps us make more informed decisions as we evaluate their recovery. We’re grateful to have this technology available locally and to work with Minden Public Schools to help support the health and safety of our athletes.”
Sway testing is used alongside physical examinations and other clinical assessments. It does not serve as a standalone diagnosis, but it can help providers make informed decisions throughout the evaluation and recovery process, including return-to-learn and return-to-play planning.
A Gift That Makes a Difference
The Healthcare Grant was made possible through the generosity of the McBride family and the memorial fund established in honor of Richard “Dick” McBride. Through the KCHS Medical Foundation, the gift is being used to support healthcare initiatives that benefit the community.
“We are incredibly grateful to the McBride family for their generosity and for choosing to honor Dick’s memory in a way that will protect our local athletes,” said Kelley Ayres, KCHS Medical Foundation Chairman. “This gift allows us to invest in healthcare resources that benefit our community, and it is especially meaningful to see the first grant supporting the health and safety of local students. We are proud to help carry forward Dick’s legacy through this program.”
The first grant demonstrates how community generosity can translate into practical healthcare resources. By providing access to Sway Balance Testing locally, KCHS can offer additional support to athletes, families and healthcare providers when concussion concerns arise.
“We are excited to be able to provide Sway Balance Testing as another resource for our patients and community,” said Luke Poore, CEO of KCHS. “Having access to this technology locally helps our healthcare team provide comprehensive care and supports our commitment to meeting the needs of the people we serve. We appreciate the McBride family and our Medical Foundation for making this opportunity possible.”
The Healthcare Grant will continue to support healthcare initiatives that benefit Kearney County and the surrounding communities, carrying forward a legacy of generosity and commitment to local care.