The HCA Healthcare Foundation has awarded a $60,000 grant to the Education Foundation of Martin County, which will lead to more healthcare career opportunities for local high school students. The grant is a $20,000 award per year for the next three years.
Part of a statewide initiative called “Career Pathways to a Healthier Florida,” the program focuses on preparing students for in-demand healthcare roles through enhanced healthcare academy offerings.
“We are thrilled to receive this crucial support, which enables us to address the growing need for skilled healthcare professionals,” said Lisa Rhodes, the Foundation’s executive director. “This initiative will prepare students for successful careers and inspire them to serve their communities.”
Projects funded by this grant include comprehensive curriculum materials, equipment and supplies aligned with healthcare industry certifications, vouchers to cover certification exam fees for students in need, and teacher stipends for the coordination and implementation of student work-based learning experiences.
“As a healthcare provider deeply invested in the well-being of our community, we are honored to support the Education Foundation of Martin County in their mission to foster healthcare career opportunities for high school students,” said Corey Lovelace, Chief Executive Officer at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital. “This will not only pave the way for brighter futures but also contribute to a stronger, more diverse healthcare workforce along the Treasure Coast and across the state of Florida.”
For more information about the Career Pathways to a Healthier Florida program, visit www.educationfoundationmc.org.
Pictured above: L to R: Tracee Hendershott, HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital, Chief Nursing Officer; Lex Lalicon, HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer; Lana Barros, Martin County School District, Director of Innovation & Choice; Dr. Jorge F. Gonzalez Jirau, HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital; Corey Lovelace, HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital, Chief Executive Officer; Shaun Williams, HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital, Board Member; Lisa Rhodes, Education Foundation of Martin County, Executive Director; Dr. Thomas Matese, HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital, Board Member; Rene Arteaga, HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital, Board Member | Picture provided by Education Foundation of Martin County
About the Education Foundation of Martin County
The EFMC is the Martin County School District’s strategic non-profit partner with the mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools. As an independent group, the Foundation promotes this effort by raising and distributing private and corporate funds through several established programs, including classroom enrichment grants, mentoring programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching. For more information, please visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.
About HCA Healthcare Foundation
Since 1998, the HCA Healthcare Foundation has contributed over $247 million in grants and matching gifts to more than 500 agencies and organizations, focusing on those that promote health and well-being, education and quality of life. In 2021, the HCA Healthcare Foundation established the Healthier Tomorrow Fund, a community impact fund with an initial investment of $75 million, to expand the work being done in Middle Tennessee to other community partners in communities where HCA Healthcare has a presence. Grantmaking for Middle Tennessee and the Healthier Tomorrow Fund is just one way that HCA Healthcare supports charitable giving and social investment. Through matching gifs to support colleagues’ charities of choice and encouraging colleagues to volunteer their time and talents, the HCA Healthcare Foundation is helping to create healthier tomorrows for the communities where our colleagues live and serve. Visit hcacaring.org to learn more.
