One of the biggest needs in San Luis Valley healthcare is finding healthcare providers to participate in the Healthcare Sector Partnership and hone in on industry priorities, allowing collaboration among public partners to create and implement solutions that address regional challenges.
The San Luis Valley Healthcare Partnership (SLVHSP) began in 2015, and includes the counties of Saguache, Mineral, Rio Grande, Conejos, Alamosa, and Costilla, but like many sector partnerships, nearly shut down all functions due to the uncertainty and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. Various reasons such as lockdowns, restrictions on public gatherings, financial difficulties, and economic challenges were among the challenges facing businesses and partners.
With the help of two new conveners and HB21-1264 stimulus funds directed through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), the sector partnership is making headway.
Harvey Greenwood of the Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium and the Attainment Network, a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating systems change with career-connected pathways, came together to collaborate on the relaunch of the San Luis Valley Healthcare Sector Partnership and reconvene interested partners on January 30, 2024 at Trinidad State College in Alamosa, Colo.
The co-conveners were able to secure four industry champions to spearhead the partnership, with eight industry partners committed and eight public partners. Industry partners have the following priorities: talent - recruitment; talent - upskilling; marketing; and communication.
The partnership has also formed four action teams: nursing education, barriers and resources, sustainability, and work and life balance for workers. They are currently focused on increasing CNA/MA HS completions, early access to healthcare certifications, and employer upskilling. Action team meetings are planned for the next few months for industry and public partners to discuss potential solutions.
If you or someone you know is interested in supporting this partnership to action, please contact SLVHSP Convener Harvey Greenwood.