Transforming Health Careers in Citrus County: TGH and CRHS Health Academy Forge Powerful New Partnership

At the July 8, 2025 meeting, your Citrus County School Board unanimously approved a transformative memorandum of understanding with Tampa General Hospital to support the Academy of Health Careers (AHC) at Crystal River High School. This partnership marks a pivotal step in elevating health sciences education and expanding workforce pathways for students across Citrus County.

Under this three-year title partnership agreement, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Crystal River will provide approximately $300,000 in both direct and in-kind support to the AHC and its associated programs. Of that generous funding, $150,000 will be direct contributions to Crystal River High School to support AHC operations and founded through the Citrus County Education Foundation (CCEF) through an “A+ Partnership” aligned with CCEF’s mission to connect community resources and enhance educational opportunities. An additional $150,000 in estimated in-kind contributions—including clinical learning tools, mentorship programs, site visits, and professional development—rounds out this comprehensive investment.

Established over 30 years ago, the Academy of Health Careers is Citrus County’s longest-running academy program and the district’s first magnet academy. From its modest beginning as a single pathway, the program has grown to include: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Dental Assisting, Certified Veterinary Assisting, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Biomedical Science.

This wide range of offerings has allowed AHC to become a hub for high school students pursuing rigorous, hands-on training in real-world health professions.

The AHC, uniquely housed on the Crystal River High School campus, is one of only a few comprehensive health career academies located on a high school campus in Florida—and among an elite group nationally. The program features:

• A multi-station patient care simulation lab
• A six-station full-service dental suite
• Multiple chemistry and biology labs
• Varied classroom environments
• A veterinary sciences lab
• Plans for a radiology suite

The breadth and scope of this academy reflect a forward-thinking vision to prepare students not only for traditional clinical roles but also for the wide array of professions that make modern healthcare systems thrive.

This partnership with Tampa General Hospital—a leading nonprofit academic medical center affiliated with USF Health—is more than just an infusion of funding. It represents a shared commitment to the future. By engaging students early, investing in their training, and giving them hands-on experience, we can better prepare them to fill in-demand roles in our region’s growing healthcare sector. Whether students are interested in nursing, administration, culinary services, hospital engineering, information technology, or public safety, this collaboration ensures they have a strong local pathway toward meaningful careers.

The leadership behind this effort deserves recognition. Tampa General Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer John Couris championed this vision personally, supported by senior team members including Jennifer Siem, Senior Director of Strategic Growth and Governmental Affairs, and Linda Stockton, Senior Vice President and President of TGH Crystal River. Working in close coordination with Citrus County Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert and his team—led by Director of Special Academic Programs Darrick Buettner, Deb Stanley, Director of CTE, Phil Mcleod, principal CRHS, Stacie Lewis, AP CRHS—and CCEF Executive Director Shaunda Burdette and Amy McLaughlin, this group brought to life a bold new partnership grounded in shared values of education, service, and excellence.

This agreement arrives during a period of remarkable growth for Tampa General Hospital in Citrus County. Already operating a 128-bed acute care facility in Crystal River, TGH is expanding through its “TGH North” initiative, which includes a state-of-the-art, approximately 400-bed medical campus now under development in Citrus Hills. Built in phases on a 53-acre parcel at County Road 486 and Forest Ridge Boulevard, the project will begin with a 120-bed hospital tower, medical office buildings, and a helipad. A second phase will expand capacity to the full 400 beds, alongside additional infrastructure. This development signals both greater access to high-quality care for local residents as well as a major new source of healthcare-related employment and career training for generations to come.

This private investment by Tampa General builds on strong momentum from the public sector. Earlier this year, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature approved $1,046,090 in legislative funding to support the expansion of the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School. These combined public-private contributions are making it possible to upgrade facilities, expand programming, and increase access to advanced training for students. It’s an alignment of mission and opportunity that few districts in Florida—or across the country—can replicate.

The significance of this partnership cannot be overstated. It positions Citrus County as a statewide leader in career and technical education, demonstrating what’s possible when schools, hospitals, and community organizations work together to invest in students. As the demand for skilled healthcare workers grows—especially in rural and underserved areas—programs like AHC provide a scalable, sustainable solution to workforce development. Most importantly, they give students real choices and real futures, right here at home.

As a school district, we are proud of what this partnership means for our students and community—but this is only the beginning. We encourage every student, parent, and educator to explore the opportunities being created. With continued support from leaders like John Couris, Dr. Scott Hebert, Darrick Buettner, Jennifer Siem, Linda Stockton, Shaunda Burdette, and the many others who helped make this vision a reality, our schools are now positioned not only to prepare students for college and careers, but to help anchor a healthier, more prosperous future for all of Citrus County.

To the students of AHC and beyond: we hope you’ll take full advantage of what’s being built for you. The future of healthcare in Citrus County is not just being shaped by hospitals and government—it’s being shaped by you.

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