Med Center Health Donates Over $32,000 in Equipment and Supplies to Warren East High School’s Medical Arts Academy
A generous donation of equipment and supplies from Med Center Health will provide essential tools and resources for the training of future healthcare workers. The manikins, AED trainer and other healthcare-related supplies will allow students at Warren East’s Medical Arts Academy to acquire real-world, hands-on experience in their classrooms that will better prepare them for the workforce or future postsecondary education in the healthcare industry.
“Med Center Health welcomes the opportunity to partner with Warren East High School in the development of their Medical Arts Academy. Together, we are training tomorrow’s workforce for a healthcare industry that needs additional personnel now more than ever,” said Connie Smith, President and CEO of Med Center Health.
“One of the top priorities for Warren County Public Schools is ensuring student opportunities,” stated Superintendent Rob Clayton. “That would not be possible without our incredible community partners. The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has reached thousands of high school students throughout our region through their SCK LAUNCH initiative. We are proud of the opportunities that await our students at Warren East High School thanks to the generosity of The Medical Center at Bowling Green. Together we are building a strong foundation for our students and community.”
Warren East High School’s Medical Arts Academy began during the 2020-2021 school year with 97 students. Students who successfully complete the pathway will graduate as State Registered Nurses Aides (SRNA). The Academy expects to serve 100 students in grades 10–12 in the pathway each school year and 30 seniors will graduate each year as SRNAs. “The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced even more so that healthcare workers are essential” explains Jennifer Meffert, the Medical Arts Academy Instructor. “Warren East High School students recognize the increased need for healthcare professionals, and many are motivated to pursue careers in this field and become contributing members of our community. By participating in the Medical Arts Academy, students will be able to enter the workforce sooner and will be more prepared to meet the healthcare needs of our community.”
The Bowling Green Area Chamber Foundation works with local high schools and businesses to develop and implement career-focused models, collaborate to strengthen existing programs and create new opportunities for students. A key facet of the Foundation’s SCK LAUNCH program is to support the attainment of nationally portable industry credentials and postsecondary courses to enhance each student’s future career path. “The Bowling Green Area Chamber Foundation is committed to working with our partners to support both the education and industry sectors in our community to increase economic growth, opportunities and resilience,” said Rodney Rogers, Foundation Board Chairman.
The partnership between the Bowling Green Area Chamber Foundation, Med Center Health and Warren East High School is an example of how a public-private partnership can provide workforce development opportunities to students while increasing community resilience. Labor data shows that there are currently 91 open CNA positions and 327 RNA positions in the region. The 10-year demand for CNA positions is expected to be 1,596 and 1,611 for RNAs. Warren East High School’s Medical Arts Academy provides important career opportunities for students and creates a pipeline of local talent to fill needed positions in the region. The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, Med Center Health and Warren East High School are excited about the expansion of this program and look forward to celebrating all of the students and patients who will benefit from this donation through the years to come.
