Aided by a $10,000 grant, the Florida Health Care Association’s Education and Development Foundation will help fund scholarships for individuals working in Florida’s long term care centers. The grant, from Alliant Health Solutions, will fuel the scholarship program, one of several FHCA initiatives to address workforce challenges in Florida and help its member care centers strengthen their recruitment and retention efforts.
“Florida’s aging population is rapidly growing, as is the need for dedicated professionals to care for them,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA Chief Executive Officer. “We are grateful for the support of Alliant Health Solutions to boost our initiatives to strengthen our long term care workforce and give those working in our member centers the resources to grow in this rewarding and fulfilling profession.”
“Alliant recognizes that investing in the workforce can have a positive impact on residents’ health and well-being. We are proud to partner with the Florida Health Care Association and support their programs that help advance the quality care being delivered in Florida’s long term care centers,” said Dennis White, Alliant Health Solutions CEO.
FHCA’s Foundation offers two types of scholarships: the Bruce Taylor Scholarship, which supports individuals enrolled in programs to advance their nursing career, and the Career Climb Scholarship, which assists individuals enrolled in non-nursing programs, such as long term care administration, certified dietary management, or other health-related fields. In 2022, the Foundation awarded $5,750 in scholarships to eight long term care employees. Now, with the funds from the Alliant Health Solutions grant, the Foundation hopes to double the number of scholarships it awards in 2023.
The Education and Development Foundation has awarded nearly $175,000 to 220 scholarship recipients since the program began in 2003. Scholarships are awarded twice a year, with the next deadline for applications on April 30, 2023. More information about the Bruce Taylor and Career Climb Scholarships, including application materials, can be found at www.fhcafoundation.org.
