Educating State Leaders About OCC's Health Programs

There is a critical shortage of healthcare workers nationwide. For example, the American Hospital Association estimates the workforce will need to add at least 200,000 nurses a year to meet increased demand and replace retiring nurses. Complicating matters is an insufficient number of qualified faculty, clinical sites, and classroom space.

With all of that in mind, Onondaga Community College recently welcomed the Chairman of the New York State Senate Health Committee to campus to give him a tour of the School of Health, Wellness and Human Services, and an overview of OCC's efforts. State Senator Gustavo Rivera from the Bronx was joined by local State Senator Rachel May on the informational visit.

OCC President Warren Hilton, Dean Karen Fabrizio, and Nursing Professor Cynthia Arcuri had a conversation with the State Senators about degree and certificate programs offered here, and pathways to needed workforce opportunities. Developments within the School of Health, Wellness and Human Services include:

• The Health Information Technology degree program becoming available completely online in the fall 2023 semester.
• OCC was awarded a $5 million Department of Labor grant to form the HealthCARES Consortium of 11 SUNY Community Colleges. The Consortium created a Community of Practice to strengthen and improve access to healthcare and social assistance education working with employers and local community organizers across New York State.
• Upcoming renovations and improvements to health-related learning spaces throughout Ferrante Hall thanks to support from Onondaga County, New York State, and the Federal government.

You can learn more about degree and certificate programs offered at OCC by visiting the School of Health, Wellness and Human Services web page.