Accomplishments & Initiatives

• Partnered with LCTCS, Region One and Delgado Northshore to obtain a $500,000 NEG grant to train entry-level Phlebotomy Techs, Certified Nursing Assistants, Emergency Medical Techs-Basic, Dialysis Techs, Unit Clerks and EKG Techs. Approximately 90 students have completed the program.

• Developed logo, branding and website for “Careers that Heal” and implemented regional print, radio and TV campaigns to increase awareness and create demand for healthcare training programs.

• Served as a key partner with GNO, Inc. and Delgado Community College to obtain CDBG grant funding from the LRA and Louisiana Workforce Commission for a 10-parish area. $6,000,000 was awarded to provide reduced-cost training for Registered Nurses, Certified Nurse Assistants, Emergency Medical Techs, Paramedics, Surgical Techs, Pharmacy Techs, Respiratory Techs, and Billing/Collections Clerks. The grant will extend through December of 2009. This initiative has had a direct impact on the Northshore, resulting in increased capacity of allied healthcare training programs. There are 91 students currently enrolled in Northshore Careers That Heal training programs.

• Partnered with Delgado Northshore and the First Planning District WIB to develop a Surgical Tech training program at Slidell Memorial Hospital.

• Participated in three job fairs to introduce students to healthcare careers, including a “Careers that Heal” industry-specific event to enroll students in healthcare occupational training.

• Partnered with GNO, Inc and the Metropolitan Hospital Council to complete a regional supply and demand survey of the healthcare industry.

• Developed and successfully negotiated a contract for services and deliverables for high demand industry sectors in a 3-parish area between the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce and the First Planning District WIB for July 06 through June 07 and July 07- June 08.

• Currently collaborating with Career Builders, a regional workforce intermediary, to develop strategies to build a pipeline of area high school students into healthcare careers. Trained 30 high school orientation teachers, and outreached to 500 freshman students through healthcare infomercials. Partnering with employer partners to present two Career Exploration events targeting 9-11th grade students and their parents. Providing relevant information regarding healthcare careers, resources and opportunities for training and future jobs in Louisiana. Summer program for “Healthcare Scholars” will be offered to 9th and 10th graders in East St Tammany in June, 2008.

• Collaborating with local government and employer partners and non profits to address the need for workforce housing and transportation.