Central Oregon and the nation has a shortage of healthcare providers in several professional areas. According to the Oregon Healthcare Workforce Institute (OHWI), Oregon is facing a major heathcare workforce shortage. The OHWI estimates an additional 60,000 health care workers will be needed by 2016.
The Bend Surgery Center Foundation was organized to assist Central Oregon students who have demonstrated a commitment and desire to pursue further education in the healthcare industry. The Partners of Bend Surgery Center feel that “we want to encourage youth in Central Oregon to pursue careers in healthcare to avoid a shortage of workers here in Central Oregon. We feel that by encouraging and assisting the youth in our community to pursue careers in healthcare, it not only benefits the student, it will in turn benefit our community.”
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics in the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 Edition, rapid employment growth is projected in the healthcare industry. Ten of the twenty fastest growing occupations are healthcare related. The healthcare industry is expected to see 3.2 million new jobs between 2008 and 2018 (a 22 percent increase), more than any other industry. No matter what shape healthcare takes in the future, there will always be a need for people who provide skilled and compassionate care. In recent healthcare discussions it is estimated an additional 30 million people will have some type of health insurance coverage in the next 10 years. The need for healthcare workers is necessary to provide care to all those who are in need.
The foundation will provide scholarships to high school seniors at all three Bend high schools, as well as to Crook County, La Pine, Madras, Redmond and Sisters. The scholarships will be made available to students who are seeking a career in healthcare and have demonstrated that desire through advanced classwork or volunteerism. Ultimately the foundation will like to provide additional scholarships to students who have completed their basic studies, and wish to proceed to advanced medical schooling (physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists, etc.)
Further information regarding the scholarship applications, submission dates, and Foundation can be found at www.bendsurgery.com/events.htm
Scholarship Fundraiser
The foundation will be holding an inaugural fundraising event at the Tower Theatre on February 6 that includes live music performed by a collection of area musicians (comprised of physicians and nursing staff). The evening will begin with various solo acts then followed by two bands, The Free Radicals and the The Docs of Rock.
Tickets: $30 per person include 2 complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres, live and silent auction of various items, including get-away packages, dinner gift certificates, Mt. Bachelor ski tickets, and rafting adventures.
Tower Theatre: www.towertheatre.org
