Health Careers Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati has been awarded more than $4.9 million in federal stimulus funds. The grant, through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, will allow HCC to offer health-careers job training to more local residents.
Since 2004, the Health Careers Collaborative has increased the diversity of Cincinnati's health care workforce and alleviated shortages by giving educational financial aid to people entering health careers. The groups targeted for HCC job training include inner-city residents, immigrants, minorities, displaced and low-wage workers, and people with disabilities. The program takes a wide-angle view of career assistance by offering GED classes before college enrollment and continuing education to those already in the field. Job coaches help alumni make a successful transition to the hospital, clinic, or medical office; some are embedded at the worksite.
Sister Sally Sherman sees the impact of these types of grants in her work with Mercy Neighborhood Ministries. She said that monies like this are "a dream come true" for people who seek better pay and opportunities in health care positions.
The Collaborative, which started in 2004, has a proven track record in Cincinnati. Alan Jones, HCC's current chair, said that the Collaborative has trained 2,000 people in the last three years. Eighty-four percent of alums have found jobs, including positions in nursing, surgical assisting, and respiratory care. A job coach affiliated with the Collaborative reported a fivefold increase in minority employee retention at Children's Hospital since the program's inception.
The award of $4,935,132 will be given to
Cincinnati State, who will distribute funds to the other partners. Organizations in the Health Careers Collaborative include healthcare providers, local colleges, the Workforce Investment Board/Super Jobs Centers, Greater Cincinnati Workforce Network, Dress for Success Cincinnati, and Mercy Neighborhood Ministries.
Writer: Elena Stevenson
Source: Communications Department, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
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