Handshake | Unsplash by Cytonn Photography
Handshake | Unsplash by Cytonn Photography
The Polk County Board of Supervisors announced it will award a $1 million grant to help fund the creation of a new Health Care Workforce Collaborative in Central Iowa during a special press event held Wed., Feb. 22, in downtown Des Moines. The funds will have a direct impact on recruiting and retaining a vibrant health care workforce in Central Iowa.
The $1 million investment will jump-start a collaborative effort between educators, including DMACC, and the health care community to encourage and connect students interested in a health care career with educational and employment opportunities among the Polk County partners. The initial funding will be used for community outreach and staffing of the Polk County Health Care Workforce Collaborative.
Angela Connolly, who represents District 5 on the Polk County Board of Supervisors, opens the grant announcement event.
Partners in the Collaborative include:
- Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)
- Grand View University
- Des Moines University
- Mercy College of Health Sciences
- Broadlawns
- MercyOne
- UnityPoint Health-Des Moines
“We felt very strongly that funds made available from ARPA should be used in a collaborative and strategic manner," said Polk County Board Chair Tom Hockensmith. "We knew that there were tremendous challenges in the health care workforce, and we are so thankful that each of the partners here took the collaboration part of this seriously, the only way to solve big problems like health care workforce, is to do it together.”
While other institutes of higher learning will be partners in the Health Care Workforce Collaborative, DMACC will serve in the administrative role of the program.
“DMACC is proud to be part of the new Health Care Workforce Collaborative, which will help ensure an increase in the number of students enrolled in health care education,” said DMACC President Rob Denson. “In Central Iowa, there are many great educational opportunities and in-demand careers available for individuals who are interested in health care. This unique collaborative will help educational institutions connect students with employers, supporting both long-term student success and the critical needs of our healthcare community.”
The Polk County Health Care Workforce Collaborative is currently looking for staff to fulfill this mission.
To learn more, watch the full announcement here.
Original source can be found here.
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