DELTA COMPASS – Increasing BIPOC Representation in Healthcare
Oct 8, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: [Hillary Boggs], [hboggs@wceams.com]
DELTA COMPASS – Increasing BIPOC Representation in Healthcare
[Greenville, Mississippi] – October 8, 2024, Delta Compass – Washington County Economic Alliance President & CEO, Justin Archer Burch, is pleased to announce a new coalition of partners building healthcare jobs and greater BIPOC representation in the Mississippi Delta. Delta Compass, acting as the backbone, will support four organizations in job readiness training, externships, and hiring across nine healthcare pathways for employment at Delta-based healthcare centers with an eye towards equity. These partners include:
Delta Health Systems - $55,000 to support hiring practices with an equity lens of increasing BIPOC representation which improves health outcomes of BIPOC patients. “On behalf of Delta Health System, I would like to thank Delta Compass for their continuous support of our hospital system. This vital grant will support the hiring of essential staff which in turn increases our patient care efforts for the Delta region. Our mission is to provide high-quality medical services to our citizens, and we are extremely fortunate to have partners who understand and reinforce our growth. I stand by our vision to be the best hospital in Mississippi to receive care, practice medicine, and work, so working collaboratively with Justin Burch and Delta Compass reinforces our work,” said Iris Stacker, Delta Health System Chief Executive Officer.
South Sunflower County Hospital - $25,000 to support hiring practices with an equity lens of increasing BIPOC representation which improves health outcomes of BIPOC patients. “This initiative marks a pivotal moment for South Sunflower County Hospital and the entire Mississippi Delta. By fostering collaboration between colleges, employers, and communities, we're not just creating job opportunities – we're sculpting a more equitable and prosperous future for our healthcare sector. This grant will empower us to develop innovative workforce education programs and career pathways that not only meet the needs of local employers but also uplift our rural communities. It's a testament to the transformative power of partnership and our unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion in healthcare,” said Courtney Phillips, South Sunflower County Hospital Administrator.
South Delta Planning and Development District - $50,000 to support healthcare related training in LPN, RN, BSN, Pharmacy Tech, and short-term credentialing for in demand populations. “South Delta is excited to receive this funding to help with training for health care workers; particularly in light of the federal workforce funding cuts we have received over the past four years. We appreciate the opportunity Delta Compass is giving us to expand health care training for Delta citizens,” said Mitzi Woods, Workforce Director at South Delta PDD.
Mississippi Delta Community College (Greenville Campus) - $125,500 to support upskilling of healthcare workers with a target to increase BIPOC representation by 5% and to establish a National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) skill testing site for HCA graduates at the MDCC Greenville campus to support licensure obtainment and job placement. “Supporting licensure and job placement for healthcare workers, especially in a historically underserved region like the Delta, is essential. The establishment of the NNAAP skill testing site at the MDCC Greenville campus marks a major milestone in this effort, ensuring that graduates have direct access to licensure testing, removing barriers, and paving the way for immediate job placement. By focusing on both upskilling and increasing diversity, this grant award ensures that we are training a workforce that reflects the community they serve while meeting critical healthcare demands. Ultimately, it will improve workforce readiness and uplift our local healthcare infrastructure,” said Dr. Patricia Kelly, Dean of Health Sciences at Mississippi Delta Community College.
“The Mississippi Delta’s economy is once again transitioning, and in the 21st century that economic shoulder is healthcare. In review of our place-based strategy of the HWY 82 Corridor, healthcare represents a large portion of the economy, employment, and earnings. It is also one of the few sectors primed for growth in the region. The sector represents over $472 million in total impact sales, over $220 million in total labor income, and approximately 5, 285 total employment outputs,” said Burch.
About Delta Compass
Delta Compass is a new 501(c)(3) economic development and inclusion intermediary serving the Arkansas and Mississippi Delta. A first of its kind for the region, Delta Compass is setting a new strategic direction for the region. By aligning a network of local, regional, and national organizations, we work together to ensure the Mississippi River Delta collaborates towards economic and community prosperity by creating an inclusive economy, strong communities, and resilient people. Our mission is to ensure that the Mississippi River Delta is a viable 21st century economy by promoting the region as a best practice for work, play, and innovation. Learn more at www.deltacompass.org.