Back to list April 08, 2021 Regional Partners Support New Healthcare Training Facility in Cumberland County CUMBERLAND VALLEY, PA (April 8, 2021) – A collection of local educational institutions, organizations and healthcare providers are coming together in support of a feasibility study for a new healthcare training center in Cumberland County. Cumberland County has become known for its growing healthcare industry and a three-year long task-force believes a hub or campus with training and educational opportunities would help support and fill our skilled workforce gap. “A training facility would allow the county to develop a more highly-skilled workforce by providing training with state-of-the-art technology. We believe it will allow employers, educational institutions and our County to better attract, retain and place skilled workers in high-demand jobs” said Laura Potthoff, Director of Business and Workforce Development for CAEDC. The Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) is partnering with local healthcare providers Highmark Blue Shield, Penn State Health, Select Medical, UPMC, and Wellspan, as well as educational institutions like Central Penn College, Cumberland Perry Vocational Technical School, Cumberland Valley School District, Dickinson College, Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Messiah University, Penn State of Harrisburg, and Shippensburg University to enhance and grow the County’s healthcare workforce. “This is an incredible opportunity to bring so many healthcare and educational partners to the table. The training facility project will not only help our healthcare industry but will improve the quality of life of our entire County” said Cumberland County Commissioner Gary Eichelberger. The healthcare industry is Cumberland County’s #1 private employer, but also the biggest workforce skills gap. There is a need for training that is provided in an efficient manner and responsive to the needs of workers, employers, students, as a result of rapid changes in healthcare and technology. “We look forward to exploring partnership opportunities that can provide additional training or experiences for our Health Occupations students. It is critical that our region continue to work together to meet the growing demand in the healthcare industry” stated Justin Bruhn, Executive Director of Cumberland Perry Vocational Technical School. A feasibility study, which is being funded in collaboration with healthcare institutions and the County, will be completed to demonstrate the need and viability for such a facility being located in Cumberland County. “The fact that a vaccine for a global pandemic was developed and distribution initiated in less than a year is remarkable – and serves as a good illustration of why medical professionals need the very best in research and training facilities that emphasize continuing education and bolster the medical community’s ability to effectively and swiftly respond to the needs of our region. I am excited about the potential for this facility and Messiah University is pleased to be one of the partners who will be working together to ensure the good health of central Pennsylvania residents” said President Kim Phipps, Messiah University. The training facility could include a conference center, technical and trades center, life sciences component, office space, a digital hub, a secondary post-secondary articulation center. About CAEDC CAEDC is Cumberland County’s authorized agency charged with leveraging and promoting Cumberland Valley’s economic development and tourism assets to drive growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life. Offices are located at 53 W. South Street, Carlisle PA. For more information, visit www.cumberlandbusiness.com and www.visitcumberlandvalley.com.
