HCA Florida Healthcare announced that the HCA Healthcare Foundation has awarded a $200,000 grant to the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce’s World Class Schools of Leon County to assist the Chamber’s Talent Pipeline Management initiative in its goal to generate a diverse talent pipeline of healthcare workers to serve the future needs of Tallahassee and the surrounding communities.
The funding is part of the HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund, an $80 million community impact fund announced in 2021 that is designed to support innovative initiatives focused on addressing high priority community needs and health equity. Access to a variety of high-quality healthcare services is a top priority for any community. According to research conducted by the Tallahassee Chamber, the region is in need of more than 17,300 careers, including those in healthcare by 2030.
“The Tallahassee region is facing a talent shortage, particularly in the healthcare industry with nearly 2,500 current job openings,” said Sue Dick, president and CEO, Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. “Thanks to the investment of the HCA Healthcare Foundation the Talent Pipeline Management program will continue leading this community forward as we identify and address the training, education and skills for current and future high-demand jobs.”
Talent Pipeline Management is a workforce strategy helping regions across the country meet the evolving business needs of the community. This is an initiative spearheaded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and was later adopted into practice by the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce in 2020, during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, based on the needs of the community.
“The ability to care for our communities today and in the future depends on a healthy healthcare talent pipeline,” said Alan Keesee, CEO, HCA Florida Capital Hospital. “We are proud that the HCA Healthcare Foundation is partnering with organizations like the Tallahassee Chamber to ensure we are aware of the changing healthcare needs of our residents and visitors, and taking appropriate action to secure the best possible future for Tallahassee and the surrounding communities.”
Funding the Healthier Tomorrow Fund at the HCA Healthcare Foundation is one example of the many ways HCA Healthcare is making a positive impact in the communities it serves. In 2021, HCA Healthcare provided charity care, uninsured discounts and other uncompensated care at a cost of more than $3.3 billion and incurred $5.5 billion in federal, state and local taxes. Additionally, HCA Healthcare continues to invest in the ongoing education and development of its colleagues and, as an enterprise, contributed $41 million to community organizations in 2021.
“HCA Healthcare colleagues are driven by our mission to care for and improve human life,” said Joanne Pulles, president of the HCA Healthcare Foundation. “That mission extends outside the walls of our facilities and into our communities. Partnering with other organizations has always allowed us to unlock possibilities for improving health and well-being.”
For more information on the HCA Healthcare Foundation, visit www.hcacaring.org.
