Challenge: How can health centers, PCAs and/or HCCNs build interest and engagement among middle and high school students in future health center careers?
NACHC and Community Health Centers have long recognized the importance of having a workforce that reflects the diversity of a community or is from the community. Health center staff who speak the same languages as their patients, live side-by-side with their patients, or are the patients themselves, bring many advantages in addressing patient needs in a culturally and linguistically competent manner, being trusted messengers, and by increasing workforce retention for the health center.
According to the Health Resources and Services Administrationās Ā Workforce Projections Dashboard, by 2030 only 87% of the demand for the primary care workforce nationwide will be fulfilled.1 The workforce shortages for health centers, which have more significant more challenges in recruiting and retention, will be far more acute.
How will community health centers ā which already face staffing shortages, grow and sustain their services to meet community needs when the competition for trained health care and non-clinical professionals becomes even more intense?
Innovative health centers, PCAs, and HCCNs are tackling this issue by implementing programs that target local youth. CCHI wants to learn more about ALL existing/recent programs and bring successful models to others in the field.
1. Workforce Projections. Accessed October 26, 2021. https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/health-workforce/workforce-projections
The Challenge
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Goal: The Workforce of the Future challenge is a call for best and promising practices that focus on engaging youth and encouraging them consider a careers as community health center professionals.
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Who can participate: All FQHCs, Look-Alikes and credentialled PCAs and HCCNS may apply.
To participate, submit your program that addresses the following question:
How can health centers, PCAs and/or HCCNs build interest and engagement among middle and high school students in future health center careers?
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Health Center Innovation Guide to be publish with accompanying highlights. See below.
CCHI wants to learn more about ALL existing/recent programs. Through voting and evaluation we will identify the promosing and best practices!
After all entries are evaluated and the Top 5 are selected, you will be able to cast your vote for the winner
In November 2021, CCHI called for applicants to participate in the Workforce of the Future Challenge and share the solutions they have developed to inspire middle and high school studentsĀ to seek a wide range of careers in community health centers. Many highly innovative solutions were shared with CCHI. In this report, CCHI shared insights from the Innovation Challenge Finalists.Ā
Innovation Challenge Finalists Spotlights
Grand prize winner:
Finalists:
- Colorado Community Health Network, Denver CO with the Grow Our Own Partnership for Equity in Health Centers initiative
- El Centro Family Health, Espanola, NM with the Semillas de Salud program
- NEW Health Programs Association, Chewelah, WA with NEW Health University
- Urban Health Plan, Bronx, NY with the Health & Sciences Charter School