The nursing program at Decatur, Ill.-based Richland Community College received a $3.2 million grant to address a nursing shortage in central Illinois, according to a Sept. 29 report from CBS affiliate WCIA.
The grant is designed to ease the financial burden of attending nursing school and provides students with the opportunity to learn and work at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
President of Richland Community College, Cristobal Valdez, EdD, said this collaborative work increases healthcare education opportunities and meets workforce needs in the area.
"The infusion of essential skills and trauma-informed practices through the EnRich Healthcare program at Richland will help build a stronger and more resilient workforce, leading more individuals on the path to success," said Dr. Valdez.
The Decatur Memorial Foundation issued the grant as part of the EnRich Healthcare program, a collaborative effort between the organizations, according to the report. Julie Bilbrey, executive director of the Decatur Memorial Foundation, said the partnership would remove barriers students face as they pursue higher education.
"Our partnership provides the potential for real solutions to the healthcare workforce shortage and workforce development issues in our community," said Ms. Bilbrey.