Eastern Kentucky University is part of a consortium aiming to increase the healthcare workforce in Appalachia and stimulate local economies. The Central Appalachia Health Consortium, funded by the federal Appalachian Regional Commission, has set goals for articulation agreements, local pipeline development, and cross-institution internships. Dr. Michelyn Bhandari is leading the project at EKU, focusing on strategies to address healthcare workforce shortages and promote economic growth.
After a year of collaboration, the consortium plans to submit an implementation grant application to the Appalachian Regional Commission. In addition to EKU, other schools involved in this initiative are Appalachian State, Marshall, Ohio University, Radford, Shawnee State, and East Tennessee State. The goal is to increase the number of medical providers in the community, although the specific type of professionals needed has yet to be determined.
The project will commence with a one-year study, including a meeting in Richmond, starting in July. It aims to benefit 235 counties across six states: Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Dr. Michelyn Bhandari emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities for central Appalachia residents to receive education and training locally and then continue to work in the area. This collaborative effort is a new approach to addressing healthcare workforce challenges in the region.