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Soundoff: Chamber Plays A Pivotal Role In Health Care Workforce Effort

By Natalie English, posted Feb 12, 2025
Natalie English
At a time when available workforce development and health care accessibility are critically important, the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce is poised to assist in the creation, development and implementation of unique, new programming.

The decision to engage with partners in the New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership is not only an opportunity but also a strategic imperative that will have tremendous impacts on our community, the economy and the health care landscape of the region.

The primary goal of the New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership is to enhance the quality of health care services available to the residents of Wilmington and surrounding areas by recruiting, training and retraining the workforce needed to provide the care our citizens need. By participating in this initiative, the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce can play a pivotal role in fostering stronger, and more consistent, relationships between health care employers and the educational partners. The partnership focuses on addressing the workforce shortages in the health care sector, specifically nurses, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As health care professionals are essential for ensuring the well-being of the community, the chamber’s involvement can help bridge the gap between the demand for health care services and the available workforce.

Health care is one of the largest sectors of employment in the United States, and Wilmington is no exception. The region’s economy benefits significantly from a robust health care system, which not only provides jobs but also attracts businesses and residents. By being a part of the New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership, the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce can contribute to the development of a skilled workforce that meets the needs of local health care providers. This, in turn, can lead to job creation, economic stability and an overall enhanced quality of life for residents.

The New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership brings together various stakeholders, including UNCW, CFCC and NHCS. The Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce’s participation in this partnership can foster collaboration and networking opportunities that are essential for addressing the complex challenges facing the health care sector. By working alongside other leaders in the community, the chamber can help facilitate discussions, share resources and develop innovative solutions to workforce issues. This collaborative approach is crucial for creating a sustainable health care workforce that can adapt to the evolving needs of the community.

One of the pressing challenges faced by the health care sector is the ongoing shortage of qualified nurses. The Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce can leverage its position to advocate for initiatives that support health care education and training programs. By engaging with the New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership, the chamber can help identify specific workforce needs of the employers and work with educational institutions to develop tailored training programs as well as any supports needed to keep students in their respective programs.

The chamber’s involvement in the partnership can also lead to enhanced educational opportunities for the community. By collaborating with UNCW, CFCC and NHCS, the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce can help develop pathways for students and professionals seeking careers with our local health care employers. The chamber is also able to work with employers and educators to build a recruitment process that starts much earlier in the student’s education and to create more wholistic admissions processes. This not only benefits the students but also strengthens the overall health care system by ensuring that it is staffed with well-trained and culturally competent professionals. Moreover, these educational initiatives can encourage young people to pursue careers in health care, addressing the need for a new generation of health care workers.

The New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership can catalyze innovation within the health care sector. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the chamber can help stimulate conversations around best practices, emerging technologies and innovative care models. This collaborative environment can lead to the development of new strategies that improve patient care, streamline operations and enhance the overall efficiency of health care delivery.

In conclusion, the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce’s participation in the New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership is important. The chamber can contribute to the development of a robust health care workforce, enhance the community’s health outcomes and drive economic growth. The collaboration, innovation and educational opportunities that arise from this partnership will have lasting benefits for the Wilmington community. As we move forward, it is imperative citizens recognize the importance of this partnership and work together to build a healthier, more prosperous future for all.
 See other stories on Workforce & Recruiting:
 
Seeking a Workforce Cure
 
Chamber Plays Pivotal Role in Health Care Workforce Effort
 
Schools Aim to Grow Apprenticeships
 
 
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