Ensuring a Healthier Tomorrow for Our Community

Hospitals and other health care institutions and organizations face a severe shortage of workers that threatens their ability to meet community needs. It is a long-term shortage that is much broader and more severe than the periodic shortages that have been experienced at various times over the past four decades. This dilemma reflects a growing change in career expectations, employer demands, shifting demographics and attitudes about work, and worker dissatisfaction within the health care environment.

As a community, we all share a common concern about changes affecting our local health care. We recognize that addressing this challenge is not only necessary for advancing the quality of health care and preserving access to essential services for all citizens—it is critical to economic development and maintaining a vitalized and prosperous community.

In response to the immense need for qualified health care professionals, Tallahassee Community College is expanding its highly regarded health care programs with the goal of building a healthier tomorrow.

The need for qualified health care professionals is rapidly increasing

• Over the next 10 years, the proportion of the population in older age groups will grow faster than the total population. In 2011, 10,000 additional people will become eligible for Medicare every day.
• Largely in response to the aging of America, the health care industry will generate over 3 million new jobs by 2018, more than any other industry. At the same time, the nursing and allied health workforce itself is aging, and a greater number of these health care professionals are beginning to voluntarily leave the workforce.
• Current projections predict a severe shortage of trained health care professionals in the coming years.

TCC is committed to addressing these critical issues for our community. The Health Care Provision and Excellence Campaign will create and sustain a higher quality of life in our region. Working with major health care providers in our community, TCC is embarking on a significant effort to advance the state of health care education in our region.