Project Summary:
Wisconsin faces a critical healthcare workforce shortage, which limits access to essential healthcare services. While workforce projections indicate significant job growth in the state, the demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to outpace supply. Research shows that rural students are a promising group for building a sustainable rural healthcare workforce, yet financial, academic, and social barriers often deter them from pursuing healthcare careers. Addressing this challenge requires a strategic, collaborative approach among industry, education, and workforce development stakeholders.
The NEW Healthcare Alliance seeks to leverage successful regional industry alliances to create a unified framework for healthcare workforce development in Northeast Wisconsin. By adopting best practices from established alliances, the initiative aims to address workforce shortages, expand career pathways, and enhance clinical training opportunities. This approach will promote health equity and improve healthcare access, particularly in rural communities. Key project aims include strengthening collaboration between education and healthcare organizations, implementing strategic initiatives for talent attraction and retention, expanding career exploration opportunities, and improving clinical learning experiences.
Through stakeholder engagement, regional messaging strategies, and innovative workforce retention programs, the alliance will develop a sustainable, long-term strategy to support the healthcare workforce. Sustainability efforts will focus on securing long-term funding through industry partnerships, sponsorships, and public-private collaborations. By establishing a strong, coordinated alliance, this initiative will create a lasting impact on the region's healthcare workforce and improve health outcomes for all Wisconsinites.