A Major Investment in Our Future: HCA Healthcare Foundation’s $60,000 Grant to Crystal River High School Academy of Health Careers

The HCA Healthcare Foundation has announced a significant $60,000 grant to the Crystal River High School (CRHS) Academy of Health Careers, marking a pivotal investment in the future of healthcare education in Citrus County. This grant, provided through the Healthier Tomorrow Fund, will be distributed over three years at $20,000 annually. It aims to enhance the existing Academy program, which has been a cornerstone of health career training in the district. The funding will support expanded training opportunities for instructors, cover certification costs for students, and introduce new certifications, ensuring that the Academy continues to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare workforce.

This grant is not only an investment in education but also a direct contribution to the well-being and health of our community. The CRHS Academy of Health Careers, which is the oldest magnet program within Citrus County Schools, has proudly served students for nearly 30 years. During this time, it has developed a stellar reputation as arguably the most successful high school Career Technical Education program in the district, and perhaps even in the region. The Academy’s contributions to the workforce over the years are undeniable, having produced thousands of nurses, doctors, first responders, engineers, military leaders, and other health professionals who now serve both locally and beyond.

The HCA Healthcare Foundation’s grant will help expand several of the Academy’s pathways, which include Certified Nursing Assistant, BioMedical Technician, Dental Assistant, EMS/EMT, and Veterinary Assistant tracks. These pathways not only provide students with valuable hands-on experience but also offer certifications that are vital for entering the healthcare workforce upon graduation. The funds will be used to cover the costs of these certifications, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent our students from achieving their goals.

Moreover, the grant will fund additional training for our instructors and introduce new certifications to the Academy, ensuring that the curriculum remains cutting-edge and aligned with the healthcare industry’s evolving needs. These advancements are critical, especially considering the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Workforce Needs Study, which estimates a shortage of approximately 463,000 healthcare workers by the end of 2024. By enhancing the educational offerings at the Academy, we are not only preparing students for these in-demand jobs but also helping to alleviate the strain on the healthcare system by cultivating a pipeline of skilled professionals.

The CRHS Academy of Health Careers stands as a model of success for our district and our community. Programs like these are a beacon of hope for our students, offering them pathways to rewarding and impactful careers. Many of the Academy’s graduates have gone on to work right here in Citrus County, ensuring that our healthcare system is staffed by well-trained professionals who have a deep connection to the community they serve.

This grant would not have been possible without the partnership between HCA Florida Citrus Hospital and the Citrus County Education Foundation. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Lisa Nummi, CEO of HCA Florida Citrus Hospital, for recognizing the importance of this Academy and committing to its continued growth. As Lisa so eloquently put it, “By investing in the Crystal River High School Academy of Health Careers, we are not only supporting local education but also cultivating a pipeline of skilled professionals who will contribute to the future of healthcare.”

I encourage everyone in our great community to celebrate this moment and recognize the profound impact that this investment will have on the future of healthcare in Citrus County. The CRHS Academy of Health Careers is not just a school program—it’s a lifeline to our community’s future health and prosperity. We are incredibly fortunate to have HCA Healthcare as a partner in this effort, and I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes that will undoubtedly arise from this significant contribution.

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