The contribution from Mercy Health to the new Healthcare Education to Work Endowment Fund helps ensure that enough highly skilled nurses and allied health professionals are available to meet regional workforce demands into the future.
According to a Kentucky Occupational Outlook to 2024 report, the state's need for full-time registered nurses will see an increase of 36 percent over 2014 numbers by the year 2024, with increased demand in additional healthcare fields also expected.
PJC executive director Lee Emmons said that the statewide Kentucky Community and Technical College System Foundation has a matching funds program for endowment gifts that meet specified requirements, making gifts such as Mercy Health's even more beneficial.
"We're delighted that Mercy Health has extended its long-standing partnership with WKCTC to include the Healthcare Education to Work Endowment Fund," said WKCTC President Anton Reece. "With healthcare identified as a high-demand workforce sector, industry partnerships are essential in meeting the needs of both students and employers. The support of Mercy Health helps us provide well-educated graduates who can secure employment at an attractive wage while meeting the expanding workforce needs of healthcare providers."
"The recent contribution from Mercy Health continues a partnership with WKCTC to enhance healthcare in the region," says Michael Yungmann, CEO, Mercy Health - Lourdes Hospital. "Mercy Health is committed to working together to improve the health of the local areas we serve. We see this gift as supporting not only quality healthcare, but also educational opportunities and career development for our community members for years to come."
Emmons said the contribution from Mercy Health addresses both immediate and future needs by including a designation to support the current nursing program and a designation to support the Healthcare Education to Work Endowment Fund. "We very much appreciate Mercy Health's forward-thinking and generous contribution that helps immediately while building for the future," she said.
