Crystal River High School Academy of Health Careers receives $60,000 grant
Three-year partnership to expand and enhance current program. Crystal River High School Academy of Health Careers receives $60,000 grant from HCA Healthcare Foundation.
Ineverness, FL — HCA Florida Citrus Hospital is proud to announce the HCA Healthcare Foundation, through its Healthier Tomorrow Fund, will donate a monumental grant of $1 million over the next three years to the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations to help fund its Career Pathways to a Healthier Florida program. The Career Pathways to a Healthier Florida program helps create and expand healthcare career pathways for economically disadvantaged high school students across the state.
This grant will significantly impact local education by directing funds to the Citrus County Education Foundation.
The grant will provide $20,000 per year over the next three years and aims to expand and enhance the existing Academy of Health Careers program at Crystal River High School by providing additional training for instructors, covering the cost of certifications for students, and introducing new certifications to the school's offerings. This initiative underscores HCA Florida Citrus Hospital's commitment to nurturing talent in healthcare and fostering educational opportunities within the community.
Lisa Nummi, CEO of HCA Florida Citrus Hospital, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are glad to be part of HCA Healthcare, a company that aims to empower the next generation of healthcare professionals. By investing in the Crystal River High School Academy of Health Careers, we are not only supporting local education but also cultivating a pipeline of skilled professionals who will contribute to the future of healthcare."
The Florida Chamber Foundation’s Workforce Needs Study estimates a shortage of approximately 463,000 healthcare workers by the end of 2024. Through the Career Pathways to a Healthier Florida program, the Consortium develops and manages a grant process which allows local education foundations to apply for funds to support projects that foster healthcare career pathways. The program will fund 15 local education foundations in Florida over the next three years, focusing on activities that lead to nursing or allied health tracks and include work-based learning, healthcare career exploration activities and industry certifications.
The Career Pathways to a Healthier Florida program grant is funded through the Healthier Tomorrow Fund, a community impact fund that addresses high-priority community needs and health equity. Since its launch in 2021, the fund has committed more than $20 million in communities where HCA Healthcare has a presence and made grants to 90 nonprofit organizations.