WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced today the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee has approved her request to put $1 million in the federal checkbook to complete construction of the Mid-Maryland Community College Allied Healthcare Education Center.

The Center was established by Howard Community College in partnership with Frederick and Carroll Counties’ community colleges to help meet Maryland’s health care needs by preparing people to work as allied health professionals in critical shortage areas. It will house new classrooms and new science, computer, and simulation labs critical in health care workforce training.

“We are facing serious shortages in the healthcare workforce,” Senator Mikulski said. “From dental hygienists to paramedics, we need to train an adequate workforce so Americans can get the health care they need when they need it. And in this economic climate, people are ready to train for new careers in the health field. The Center will help meet both needs – helping to ease critical workforce shortages today and preparing Marylanders for the jobs of tomorrow.”

The Center will be located in Mount Airy. It will house science, computer and medical simulation laboratories and classrooms for health education programs. It will be equipped to train 300-500 students every year, including certified nursing assistants and dental assistants as well as medical laboratory, emergency medical and pharmacy technicians. It will also be used to train students in phlebotomy, histology, respiratory care, health information management, substance abuse, counseling, gerontology, cancer coding, and medical coding and billing.

Senator Mikulski has a long history of working on the federal level to address shortages in health care professions, including nursing, nationwide. She requested the funds in the fiscal year 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. The full committee must now review her request. If approved, it must then be passed by both the House and the Senate before being sent to the President to be signed into law. Once these steps are completed, the funds will become available in Maryland.