News Summary
Citrus County School Board has partnered with Tampa General Hospital North, committing $600,000 over three years to elevate health career programs in local schools. The funding will enhance the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School, providing students with clinical experiences, advanced technology, scholarships, and essential medical equipment. This initiative addresses the community’s need for qualified healthcare professionals and supports workforce development for a region with an aging population.
Citrus County, FL — The Citrus County School Board has entered into a significant partnership with Tampa General Hospital North, committing $600,000 over three years to enhance health career programs in local schools. The agreement was approved during a July meeting in 2023 and aims to boost the capabilities of the Academy of Health Careers, which is located at Crystal River High School.
This funding initiative includes an initial $300,000 from Tampa General Hospital North for educational support and resources directed at health career programs. This comes in addition to an existing investment of over $300,000 that Tampa General Hospital North has already allocated to Citrus County Schools this year, as well as another similar amount for career and technical programs in Hernando County Schools. The total investment across both counties exceeds $600,000, significantly enhancing the educational landscape.
The partnership will involve multiple facilities associated with Tampa General Hospital North, including TGH Crystal River, TGH Brooksville, and TGH Spring Hill. The financial assistance will be utilized to support various programs, including the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School and the Citrus County Education Foundation. Additionally, it will benefit the Health Science Academies at Hernando County Schools and the Hernando County Education Foundation.
Through this funding, students will gain access to hands-on clinical experiences, advanced technology, scholarships, essential medical equipment, and professional attire—all crucial components for aspiring healthcare professionals. The initiative emphasizes creating pathways for students to explore and follow careers in healthcare, supporting workforce development in the region.
The Academy of Health Careers serves as a cornerstone of health career education in Citrus County, boasting facilities such as a patient care simulation lab, a functional dental office, and specialized labs for chemistry and biology. There are plans to develop a radiology room to further enhance the educational offerings. The academy has evolved from a singular focus on one career pathway into a diverse range of programs that includes certified nursing assistant training, dental assisting, certified veterinary assisting, emergency medical technician training, and biomedical science.
Dr. Scott Hebert, superintendent of Citrus County Schools, has expressed optimism about the investment, highlighting its potential to significantly benefit local students while addressing the increasing demand for healthcare professionals in a county that has the third oldest population in Florida.
The memorandum of understanding formalizing the partnership between the hospital and schools was approved on July 8, 2023. Thomas Kennedy, a member of the Citrus County School Board, highlighted the value of the Crystal River Academy, recognizing its long-standing commitment to career education over the past 30 years. This partnership represents a strategic move to bolster career education and workforce development within health professions, particularly for local high school students.
As healthcare needs continue to rise, initiatives such as this one from Tampa General Hospital North and the Citrus County School Board are crucial in preparing the next generation of healthcare providers. The investment not only enriches the educational experiences of students but also strategically aligns with community needs, ensuring that Citrus County is equipped with qualified healthcare professionals for the future.
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Additional Resources
- Chronicle Online: $600K Boost for Local Students
- Fox 13 News: Citrus County Deputy Dies
- South Florida Hospital News: HCA Florida Healthcare Expansion
- Chronicle Online: Healthcare Heroes
- Fox 13 News: Gov Desantis Signs Andy Lahera Act
- Google Search: Health Care Careers
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