ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – HCA Virginia has announced a $50,000 grant to the Virginia Western Community College for the expansion of health care education by the HCA Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund.
On Monday, December 16, officials with HCA Healthcare, The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education, Virginia Western Community College, and LewisGale Medical Center presented the check and information about the investment at the Virginia Western Community College Natural Science Center.
“We are committed to investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals through our Healthier Tomorrow Fund grants,” said Christopher Finley, assistant vice president of community engagement at HCA Healthcare. “We will not only strengthen the healthcare industry but also empower the communities we serve by increasing exposure and access to diverse healthcare careers.”
The fund is a part of the $75 million community impact fund to support initiatives that focus on addressing high-priority community needs along with health equity.
The $50,000 grant will help expand health care education to students across the Commonwealth and support and strengthen the healthcare workforce.
“We are grateful for the Foundation and HCA Healthcare’s passion for investing in Virginia and developing the next generation of healthcare leaders,” said Jennifer Sager Gentry, vice chancellor for institutional advancement and executive director for the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education. “This funding will help address educational disparities and create pathways to healthcare careers.”
The grant focuses on four key areas such as expanding access to health care careers for underserved populations, providing an innovative and scalable model to strengthen the health care workforce, focusing on diversity and inclusion in health care careers, and making a long-term economic and workforce development impact.
“HCA Virginia’s support will enable us to broaden Virginia Western’s joint venture healthcare offerings,” said Dr. Robert H. Sandel, Virginia Western Community College President. “Providing students with the essential skills and hands-on experiences has been a cornerstone of our healthcare programs and training, and we’re excited to extend these opportunities to more underserved populations across Virginia with our programs.”
The investment will also increase diversity and inclusion in health care careers, and lead to long-term economic and workforce development. The HCA said that these programs have already proven to be successful at facilitating access to education, and resources, and increasing job placement rates.