Major investment in new Hanover County health care workforce

In an important effort to address the critical challenges of New Hanover County’s health care workforce, the New Hanover Community Foundation (NHCE) is providing $22.3 million to several major educational institutions in the region, according to this press release. It is said that more than 200,000 grants have been awarded.

The funding is part of what the foundation has dubbed a “transformative partnership” aimed at strengthening the health sector with a focus on recruiting, training and retaining health professionals.

“This is exactly the area we want to invest in,” said NHCE President and CEO William Buster, according to a press release from the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. “Without collaboration, change will not happen. I believe that.” “Ultimately, together with these strategic partners, we believe we will see real change in our communities.”

Investments from the endowment include Cape Fear Community College (CFCC), New Hanover County Schools, the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. Together, the two companies will implement a variety of initiatives aimed at strengthening local healthcare workers.

Buster emphasized that the goal is to build a local talent pipeline.

“We are excited, especially as this relates to retaining and retaining homegrown talent,” he said. “We look forward to the opportunity for people who live here to work here, stay here and work in the field of their choice, such as medicine or nursing.”

According to the press release, key investment areas include:

• Support for success: This includes institutions that offer comprehensive services such as recruitment, enrollment resources, and retention structures to support student success.
• Strengthening infrastructure: The funding will also be used to upgrade facilities, implement a comprehensive admissions process, and strengthen recruitment resources.
• route program: Developing and expanding “pathway and pipeline programs” to mentor aspiring medical professionals.
• innovative learning: Institutions collaborate on simulated learning, medical professional cohort programs, and standardized exam study support.

The companies will receive approximately $3.5 million over three years to address the medical workforce shortage through a “comprehensive systems-based approach.”

Specifically, CFCC will receive approximately $8.6 million over three years to improve nursing program capacity and recruit and retain underrepresented populations.

UNCW will receive approximately $8.3 million over three years to develop new programs, expand simulated learning, improve culturally appropriate care, and recruit and retain underrepresented populations.

New Hanover County schools will receive approximately $1.7 million over three years to introduce students to medical careers and provide hands-on experience.

Additionally, the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Foundation will receive approximately $250,000 over three years to develop new strategies on affordable housing for health care professionals and foster collaboration between organizations.

CFCC Chairman Jim Morton said he hopes the program will be transformative.

“I think this level of partnership is unique nationally,” Morton said. “We hope this will be a source of inspiration for other communities working to rebuild their careers in healthcare.

Novant Health announced a $10 million commitment to increase the number of locally trained health care workers.

“When we or someone we love needs care in a doctor’s office, nursing home, community or educational setting, or hospital, we rely on clinicians we trust to provide the care we need. We rely on them,” Chief Amy Akers said. Nursing staff at Novant Health Coastal Market. “Our efforts, and the efforts of these partner organizations in this room, are designed to ensure support is provided now and for years to come.”

A summary of New Hanover Community Endowment investments is provided in the PDF below.