Blount Memorial Hospital distributed a total of $12,500 to five Blount County high schools on Tuesday, May 7 in support of the schools’ Health Sciences Programs. The presentation of funds took place just days before this year’s National Hospital Week recognition of May 12-18 – and the end of the school year.
“We are honored to present these funds,” said Blount Memorial Interim CEO Jonathan Smith to instructors for each school’s program. “The partnership with each of your programs, and really, each of your schools, is very important to us. We are all working together to train the future employees of our hospital. We want them to know they have opportunities here.”
Funds donated to each program are used to support the hands-on training that occurs in the high school setting, which prepares students interested in pursuing health care careers – and some who have already completed training to become certified nursing assistants (CNAs) – for jobs throughout the Hospital system. Each year, the schools share that, through equipment purchases, they are able to simulate real patient experiences for their students and ensure ample supplies are available.
“The funding you provide is essential in the education and training of our community’s workforce,” one school’s health sciences program leader shared. “The students’ training equips them for future career endeavors, but also, equips them to respond in emergency situations they may encounter in everyday life. Armed with this knowledge, they become agents of change in our community.”
Annually, each school’s Health Sciences Program is eligible for $2,500 to help support health science education.
