Duke University and Duke University Health System, both based in Durham, N.C., are launching a $203 million initiative aimed at increasing local hiring and expanding second-chance employment across the Durham and Triangle region, according to a March 18 news release.
Under the plan, known as HomeGrown, Duke will raise local resident hiring from 69% to 80% for entry-level roles with advancement potential, including patient service associates, facilities staff and administrative positions. The university and health system will also double the number of second-chance employees in the region from 50 to 100.
The three-year initiative also focuses on broader economic investment, including construction, local business partnerships and housing. Duke plans to direct $120 million to construction-related firms in the Durham and Triangle region and increase spending with local businesses by $45 million, according to the release. The organizations also plan to host quarterly sessions to help local vendors navigate contracting opportunities.
In addition, Duke plans to increase deposits with community development financial institutions from $22 million to $60 million to support affordable housing and offer down payment assistance for employees who are first-time home buyers, the release said.
“For many families in Durham and across the region, Duke Health is their first experience with Duke — not just as a place of care, but as an employer and community partner,” Thomas Owens, MD, executive vice president and COO of Duke University Health System, said in the release. “HomeGrown brings focus and transparency to work we’ve been doing for years: creating pathways to good jobs, investing locally, and building a stronger community alongside our neighbors.”
The initiative builds on Duke’s broader workforce investments, including a recent move to raise its minimum wage to $20 per hour.
Duke University Health System is part of Duke Health, the academic health system of Duke University, which includes four hospitals as well as the university’s School of Medicine and School of Nursing.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.