Northeast AHEC will help lead ARC-funded project focused on health care workforce

MOREHEAD, Ky. – UK St. Claire has been awarded $960,000 through the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative to help expand health care career pathways across Appalachian Kentucky.
 

The three-year project, “From Mining to Medicine: Pathways to a Healthier Region,” will support efforts to strengthen the health care workforce in 45 Appalachian counties by introducing students to careers in health care and creating pathways to education, training and employment in high-demand fields.
 

UK St. Claire will collaborate with three Area Health Education Centers (AHECs): Northeast Kentucky AHEC in Morehead, Southeast Kentucky AHEC in Hazard and Southern Kentucky AHEC in Mt. Vernon. Together, the organizations will partner with schools, colleges, universities and health care providers to reach thousands of students throughout the region.
 

The initiative will focus on careers in behavioral health, dentistry, nursing and medicine — professions that continue to face workforce shortages across Appalachian Kentucky.
 

“At UK St. Claire, we are committed to improving health and expanding opportunity across our region,” said Donald H. Lloyd II, president and CEO of UK St. Claire. “This grant represents an investment in our students, our workforce and our communities. By helping local students pursue careers in health care, we are strengthening the future of health care in the region while creating pathways to high-quality careers close to home.”

“Provider shortages have affected the health and economic vitality of Appalachian Kentucky for decades,” said David A. Gross, director of education and research at UK St. Claire and director of the Northeast Kentucky AHEC. “This project will help us build a stronger local workforce by creating opportunities for students to pursue health care careers while increasing access to care throughout the region. By investing in local talent, we can help improve health outcomes and strengthen communities across Eastern Kentucky.”
 

The POWER Initiative directs federal resources to Appalachian communities to support economic diversification, workforce development and job creation. The program helps communities create new opportunities in industries positioned for long-term growth and sustainability.

This award builds on UK St. Claire’s ongoing investment in the region’s future health care workforce. Just last week, UK St. Claire and the Sisters of Notre Dame Eastern Kentucky Foundation announced nearly $200,000 in scholarships for 46 students pursuing health care careers.

About the Appalachian Regional Commission

The Appalachian Regional Commission is a regional economic development partnership representing the federal government and 13 Appalachian states. ARC works with local communities to strengthen economic opportunity and improve quality of life across the 423 counties that make up the Appalachian Region. Learn more at arc.gov.