Editorials

Rural Health: Addressing nursing shortage is vital

Among the projects under West Virginia's Rural Health Transformation Program is Mountain State Care Force, which is meant to address the shortage of healthcare workers in many of our communities.

This week, the initiative awarded $201,403 to the WVU Medicine Center for Nursing Education, where it is expected to increase capacity for approximately 100 additional nursing students each year and increase access to nursing education for students from "rural and Health Professional Shortage Area communities, including Hancock, Ohio, Marshall, Tyler and Wetzel counties," according to a news release from the governor's office.

(By the way, the news release included an unusual note: "This press release is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as part of the financial assistance award totaling $199,476,098.72 with 100% funded by CMS HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government." All right, then. One wonders what has given CMS/HHS cause for concern -- or if they're just jumping into the claim-all-the-credit game.)

"Addressing workforce shortages requires more than recruitment alone. We also need to expand educational opportunities and help more West Virginians enter healthcare careers," Secretary of Health Dr. Arvin Singh said, according to the release. "This investment strengthens our nursing workforce while giving students the support they need to succeed and serve communities across our state."

"Expanding capacity" for 100 more nursing students is a fantastic start. State lawmakers must look for more ways to address the shortage -- perhaps not involving a hovering federal government. We have plenty of capable students eager to learn and do the job. Now let's make sure they can not only get through school, but that once they do, their communities and state will offer a quality of life that keeps them from leaving.