Investing in caregivers, strengthening community health at Southwest Medical Center

Every day, PeaceHealth caregivers help patients take the next step toward healing. Thanks to donor generosity, earlier this year a group of PeaceHealth Southwest employees took an important step of their own: preparing for careers that will strengthen the future of healthcare in our community.

This spring, 15 employees began their journey through the Healthcare Education and Training (HEET) Incumbent Worker Healthcare Pathways Program, a partnership between PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center and Clark College. Made possible by philanthropic support through the Greatest Need Fund and funding from Clark College, HEET helps current employees explore and pursue careers in allied health. This year, $21,000 in donor funding supported the program, helping employees access tuition assistance, personalized enrollment and academic guidance, financial aid support, and resources to overcome barriers such as transportation, childcare and technology needs.

By investing in opportunities like HEET, donors are helping dedicated employees grow their careers, expand the local healthcare workforce and ultimately improve care for patients throughout the region.

For many participants, the opportunity answered a deeply personal question: Could I build a future in healthcare while balancing work, family and everyday responsibilities? Through the HEET program, that possibility became achievable.

One caregiver’s journey began with an Intro to Healthcare course through Clark College Continuing Education. Taught by Dr. Ona Parker, the course introduced participants to the healthcare system, patient care concepts and a range of allied health careers. Just as importantly, it helped participants build confidence as college students.

"The HEET program opened doors I never thought were available to me. It removed barriers, connected me with mentors, and showed me a path into healthcare. I'm grateful for the investment in people like me," said Josephina Cipriano Bautista, Certified Nursing Assistant at Southwest Medical Center. 

Today, all 15 participants are successfully enrolled in Clark College coursework that serves as a gateway to future clinical training programs. Students are completing:

• AH 100: Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology, which provides foundational knowledge of the human body and biological systems. 
• AH 110: Medical Terminology, which develops the language skills needed to communicate effectively in healthcare settings.

These courses are key prerequisites for programs such as Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy and other allied health professions, opening doors to career advancement and new opportunities within healthcare.

Partnerships like the one between PeaceHealth Southwest and Clark College are critical to strengthening the current and future healthcare workforce. By combining academic expertise with employer support, the program creates a clear pathway into high-demand healthcare careers while helping participants develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed.

For Heather McEvoy, Chief Philanthropy Officer at PeaceHealth Foundations Vancouver and Longview Communities, the program demonstrates what is possible when healthcare organizations, educational institutions and philanthropic support come together to invest in people.

“This program demonstrates what can happen when we come together around a shared goal,” said Heather McEvoy. “Thanks to philanthropic support, caregivers can pursue careers in healthcare that might otherwise feel out of reach, helping build a stronger workforce and healthier community for years to come.”

While participants are gaining knowledge and experience today, the long-term impact reaches beyond a single course or academic quarter. Each student is building a foundation for future healthcare training, creating new opportunities for themselves while helping strengthen the pipeline of caregivers our communities will depend on in the years ahead.

This is the power of community investment. When donors invest in education and workforce development, they create opportunities for dedicated employees to grow into tomorrow's healthcare professionals. Those investments strengthen PeaceHealth from within, expand access to care and help ensure future generations receive exceptional care close to home.