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Wallace Community College Selma (WCCS) recently earned a $2.9 million grant for its 2023-24 Alabama Centers for Rural Healthcare Opportunity legislative appropriation Thursday, March 28.

The targeted areas to benefit are Marengo, Dallas, Sumter, Hale and Greene counties. The WCCS Healthcare Pathways Initiative (HPI) will address the health care workforce shortages in those areas.

“We are thrilled to embark on this initiative that will not only address critical workforce shortages but also empower individuals to pursue fulfilling careers in healthcare,” WCCS CEO and President Dr. James Mitchell said. 

The WCCS HPI program will be moved to the Whitfield Regional Hospital in Demopolis

Douglas L. Brewer, CEO of Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital said it is a demand for health care officials.

“The need for nurses continues to grow, making now the right time to pursue a career in nursing in the state of Alabama,” Brewer said. “This opportunity will allow high school students to get accustomed to college life and train conveniently at the hospital with UAB physicians and other professionals.”

The WCCS HPI curriculum has theoretical and practical training covering patient care, educational sessions and clinical experiences. The program also offers various pathways, including certified nursing assistant (CNA) and patient care technician (PCT) advanced degrees in practical nursing (LPN) and associate degree nursing (ADN).

“The WCCS HPI will play a pivotal role in transforming lives and strengthening our communities by providing essential health care training opportunities,’’ said Dr. Tammie Briggs, Dean of Instruction at WCCS.