Through a $56,382 grant to North Shore Health Hospital and Care Center, the Foundation invested in Simulation Manikin technology to make improved high-tech training available at a new local training center. The simulation manikin is available for EMT/EMR skills training, First Responder Unit recertification, CNA training, nurse and physician training. Having this state-of-the-art technology and board-certified training opportunities available right here in Cook County negates the need for students to travel outside of Cook County to access this education and makes it easier for people to become certified in these critical care provider roles.

The Emergency Workforce Solutions Program led by Vital North is an ongoing collaborative partnership of leaders from all healthcare agencies including North Shore Health, Sawtooth Mountain Clinic and Grand Portage Health, along with Cook County Public Health & Human Services and Care Partners of Cook County and Cook County Higher Education, working together to address the shortages in our local workforce.

Continuing education is central to the licensing and accreditation of medical practitioners. The following courses are now able to be offered in Cook County to fulfill those requirements. A Critical Advanced Life Support course was held in November 2023 with twenty-six participants including registered nurses (RNs) and physicians from both local and regional hospitals. This course is designed for rural and remote area care in life threatening emergencies. In April 2024, a Trauma Nurse Care Course was attended by seven RNs to practice the knowledge and critical thinking skills in acute trauma situations. In May 2024, two courses were offered: a cardiac arrhythmia/EKG training and a Chest Tube Simulation training; both attended by physicians, RNs, paramedics, and EMTs. Continuing education has also resulted in one RN and EMT working to complete their paramedic certification, two EMTs are in the process of becoming paramedics, and two EMTs are in the process of becoming registered nurses.

Although staffing shortages remain in nearly all rural settings in the country, the Foundation’s Emergency Workforce Solutions Program is continuing its mission to expand access both to high quality medical education and the creation of new jobs in critical employment fields. Future goals include expanding training programs for local high school students interested in becoming CNAs or EMT/EMRs, and continuing to update Simulation Manikin software to meet cutting-edge health care challenges.