With more than 20,000 regional healthcare openings projected, leaders gather to work on building better training pipelines across the Rogue Valley; internships and work experience offered
Ashland.news staff report
A first-of-its-kind regional conference focused on preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals is set for 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, in Stevenson Union at Southern Oregon University.
In partnership with the Ashland Community Health Foundation, the Ashland Chamber of Commerce is bringing together educators, healthcare leaders, and policymakers to work on strengthening the healthcare workforce and creating innovative education-to-career pathways.
“This conference exemplifies the Chamber’s mission to foster collaboration, strengthen workforce pipelines and ensure a vibrant future for our community,” Ashland Chamber Executive Director Sandra Slattery said in a news release.
Healthcare-related occupations in the Rogue Valley are projected to account for 13% of all job openings between 2024 and 2034, according to the release. More than 20,347 healthcare job openings are expected over the next decade.
The “Pipeline to Progress” conference, followed by a networking lunch, will also provide practical solutions, including internships, apprenticeships and hands-on learning experiences across K–12, community colleges and universities in the Rogue Valley. Participants will hear about real-world examples of on-the-job training and successful, innovative models.
The deets
Pipeline to Progress: Building the Future Healthcare Workforce
A regional conference on expanding the healthcare talent pool.
8:30 a.m. (doors open 8 a.m) to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, in the Rogue River Room in Stevenson Union at Southern Oregon University
Tickets, $20-40, include lunch
Click here to register
Oregon Health and Science University President Dr. Shereef Elnahal will deliver the keynote speech, offering insights into the future of the healthcare economy and workforce trends.
Event sponsors include Asante and Mercy Flights. Other community partners include Rogue Community College, Providence Medford Medical Center, and Rogue Workforce Partnership/Valley Immediate Care.
Ashland Community Health Foundation Executive Director Stephanie Roland said the conference is “to bring the community together to identify solutions that ensure access to quality healthcare in the future,” according to the news release.
Tickets are $30 each for Chamber members and $40 for non-Chamber members. Southern Oregon faculty and student tickets are $20 each.
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