Columbus State
Columbus State and Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Partner to Address Healthcare Needs in Franklin County
Designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration as a Medically Underserved Area, the need for a well-trained, diverse healthcare workforce in Franklin County has never been more critical. Columbus State Community College (Columbus State) has risen to this challenge, launching an innovative initiative to address the healthcare workforce shortage in central Ohio. The initiative, a collaborative effort involving key community stakeholders, is set to double the college’s capacity to train healthcare professionals over the next decade, with a focus on underrepresented groups.
In recent years, the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation has made significant investments to address the primary care physician shortage in underserved communities in Ohio, in partnership with the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. Building on its commitment to increase access to health-promoting services, the Foundation recently approved $1.5 million to support Columbus State’s initiative to attract, retain and graduate a diverse healthcare workforce.
The impact of this initiative by Columbus State will be felt far beyond the walls of the college, through the lives transformed by educational opportunity and the communities strengthened through improved access to healthcare.
Terri Donlin Huesman Osteopathic Heritage Foundation President/CEO
Enhancing Healthcare Pathways with Strategic Support
Central to Columbus State’s strategy is the expansion of five health science programs for high-need professions: nursing, surgical technology, medical imaging, respiratory therapy and sterile processing. These programs are vital in a region facing healthcare shortages. The goal is ambitious yet achievable: to increase enrollment in these programs from just over 1,400 in 2023 to over 3,000 by 2033, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to better meet the healthcare needs of the community.
Support from the Foundation will be used to invest in state-of-the-art equipment and technology, offering students hands-on training that mirrors the clinical environments where they will be employed upon graduation. Foundation support will also provide seed funding for an endowment to offer financial aid to students who would otherwise face additional barriers to pursuing a career in healthcare, helping to cover the cost of books, uniforms, health screenings and state-required certifications and exams.
To further support this growth, Columbus State plans to invest a combined $122 million in new facilities, faculty, equipment and student support services. The OhioHealth Center for Health Sciences, an 80,000-square-foot academic building funded through a combination of public and private support, will be the cornerstone of this effort. A $25 million endowment from OhioHealth will further enhance the college’s ability to attract top-tier faculty.
Transforming Lives and Communities
By increasing the number of healthcare professionals in central Ohio, Columbus State is helping to ensure all residents have access to high-quality care. The focus on increased diversity among students entering health science programs will also play a crucial role in reducing health disparities and improving patient outcomes, particularly in underserved communities.
We’re honored to receive the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation’s support as we work collaboratively to bolster our region’s healthcare workforce. Together, we will have a positive impact on health equity and health outcomes for generations.
David Harrison, PhD, Columbus State Community College President
https://www.cscc.edu
550 East Spring St.
Columbus, OH 43215
614-287-5353
Photos courtesy of Columbus State Community College.