Effective Date: 08/25/2026
Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department (“ELVPHD,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects the privacy of individuals who participate in our SMS/text messaging programs.
This SMS Privacy Policy explains how ELVPHD collects, uses, shares, and protects information associated with its SMS/text messaging services. This policy supplements other ELVPHD privacy notices and policies that may apply to particular programs, services, or health information.
When an individual enrolls in or communicates through an ELVPHD SMS/text messaging program, ELVPHD may collect information such as:
- Name
- Mobile telephone number
- SMS communication preferences
- Records of consent or enrollment in SMS communications
- Opt-in and opt-out information
- SMS messages sent to or received from ELVPHD
- Information provided in connection with an ELVPHD program, service, appointment, class, event, or other activity
The information collected will depend on the applicable ELVPHD program or service.
ELVPHD may use SMS-related information to:
- Provide SMS communications that an individual has requested or agreed to receive
- Send appointment, scheduling, class, program, event, or service reminders and updates
- Provide appropriate public health, program, service, or community information
- Respond to questions or requests
- Administer SMS enrollment, consent, preferences, and opt-out requests
- Maintain records necessary for operational, compliance, or legal purposes
- Support approved internal organizational communications
- Operate and improve ELVPHD’s SMS/text messaging services
Providing a mobile telephone number to ELVPHD does not, by itself, constitute consent to receive all ELVPHD SMS communications. Where SMS consent is required, ELVPHD will provide an appropriate method for individuals to indicate whether they wish to receive applicable text messages.
ELVPHD does not sell mobile telephone numbers, SMS opt-in information, or SMS consent information.
Mobile telephone numbers, SMS opt-in information, and SMS consent information will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for their own marketing or promotional purposes.
ELVPHD may provide information to service providers that perform services on ELVPHD’s behalf when reasonably necessary to operate, maintain, deliver, or support ELVPHD’s SMS/text messaging services.
Such information will be handled subject to applicable contractual, privacy, security, and legal requirements.
ELVPHD may also use or disclose information when required or permitted by applicable law.
Some ELVPHD programs and services involve Protected Health Information (PHI) or other sensitive information.
Participation in an ELVPHD SMS/text messaging program does not automatically authorize SMS for the transmission of PHI or other confidential information.
ELVPHD will handle PHI in accordance with applicable law, ELVPHD policies and procedures, and ELVPHD’s Notice of Privacy Practices.
Individuals should avoid sending sensitive health, financial, or other confidential information by text message unless specifically instructed to do so through an ELVPHD-approved communication process.
For additional information regarding ELVPHD’s use and disclosure of Protected Health Information, please review the ELVPHD Notice of Privacy Practices:
ELVPHD Notice of Privacy Practices
ELVPHD uses reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards appropriate to the information and systems under its control.
SMS/text messaging relies on mobile devices, wireless carriers, telecommunications networks, and other systems that may be outside ELVPHD’s control. Standard SMS communications may not provide the same security protections as other communication methods.
Individuals should therefore avoid transmitting sensitive or confidential information through SMS unless instructed to do so through an ELVPHD-approved process.
ELVPHD may retain SMS-related information, including consent and opt-out records, as necessary for program operations, compliance, legal obligations, and applicable record-retention requirements.
Individuals may choose whether to participate in applicable ELVPHD SMS/text messaging programs.
Information about opting out of SMS communications, obtaining assistance, message frequency, and other conditions governing ELVPHD SMS services is available in the ELVPHD SMS/Text Messaging Terms and Conditions:
SMS Terms and Conditions
ELVPHD may update this SMS Privacy Policy as its programs, technology, operations, or applicable requirements change.
Updates will be posted on ELVPHD’s website with an updated effective date.
Questions regarding this SMS Privacy Policy or ELVPHD’s SMS/text messaging practices may be directed to:
Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department
2104 21st Circle
Wisner, NE 68791
Phone: 402-529-2233
Email: info@elvphd.ne.gov
Website: elvphd.ne.gov
Questions concerning Protected Health Information or individual privacy rights may be directed to the appropriate ELVPHD Privacy Officer.