|
|
 |
Southwest Oklahoma Impact Coalition
Addressing economic and
community development issues in Southwest Oklahoma
|
|
| Search: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Priority Issue: Health Care |
Goal: To ensure availability of the best possible health care.
- Update stakeholders list in southwest Oklahoma counties served by SOIC.
- Identify county "Health Action Teams" and their memberships.
- Tie-in with the current "Idea Raisers" initiative being conducted throughout the state.
- Partner in grant proposals to help meet immediate job training needs
in southwest Oklahoma.
Solicit state and national legislative support of targeted health care critical "shortage" occupations by "earmarking" funds to help support educational providers to address critical shortage health care occupations.
Lead Institution: Western Oklahoma State College
Partnerships Meeting the Need in SW Oklahoma
A tremendous example of the power of partnerships is evident through a nursing program initiative by Western Oklahoma State College in Altus. By partnering with the hospitals in Altus, Duncan, Lawton, Frederick and Elk City, the number of registered nurses graduating from WOSC has gone from 24 in 2003 to 72 in 2007 with a projection of 110 nurses graduating in 2009.
Hospital partners in these communities have contributed to the increase of registered nurses in the region by providing funds for staffing, instructors, IT support and facilities. A two-year registered nursing program is now offered by WOSC at Cameron and the program has now been expanded to Duncan and Elk City.
Other SOIC partners are focused on addressing the shortage of nurses as well. Redlands Community College has increased their nursing graduates from 42 to 80 over the past 5 years. Cameron will graduate approximately 40 nurses this year and projects to increase graduation to 70 nurses by next year. Southwestern is currently graduating 42 nurses and plans to retain that number. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|