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OPA News Release:

Labor Department, HCA Announce $10 Million Training Program

Scholarships Train Workers Displaced Since Sept. 11 Attacks In Health Care Careers

WASHINGTON—Assistant Secretary for the Employment and Training Administration Emily Stover DeRocco and Jack Bovender, president and CEO of HCA today announced the creation of a $10 million partnership that will train and employ people in health care careers. The partnership will specifically assist workers dislocated since the Sept. 11 attacks.

“While providing much needed training to workers who have lost their jobs since Sept. 11, this partnership allows the Department to combat a growing shortage of health care workers,” DeRocco said. “The administration is committed to fostering partnerships, like this one, that will produce real results for those in need.”

“This program will provide new career paths for many of those affected by Sept. 11, and help bring more health professionals into the workforce,” Bovender said. “It is our hope that we can have a positive impact on the tragic events of Sept. 11 and on the national health worker shortage.”

Experts predict that by 2020 the national supply of workers in the field of nursing will drop 20 percent below minimum needs, resulting in a shortage of more than 400,000 registered nurses. By combining $5 million contributions from each organization, the scholarships will be offered for those who want to become registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, radiology technologists, surgical technicians and certified nursing assistants in return for a work commitment equal to the length of the training. The national program will focus on six areas—Atlanta, South Florida, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Dallas, Houston and Denver—that have a high number of affected people, strong training programs in place and where HCA has a number of hospitals in which they may work in the future.

For more information, please go to www.dol.gov.Interested applicants can apply by calling 1-800-HCA CARES or visiting www.hcacares.com.

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