The 2019 recipients of the educational loan assistance program, offered by OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center, have been selected. Designed to support LaSalle County students pursuing further education and a career in the health care industry, the program offers up to $5,000 annually to its recipients.
This year’s recipients are: McKenna Campbell, of Earlville, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Western Illinois University; Maleah Greene, of Ottawa, pursuing an associate degree in nursing from Illinois Valley Community College, with the goal of obtaining licensing as a Registered Nurse; Sandy Northcutt, of Mendota, pursuing a Master of Science in nursing from Northern Illinois University.
The educational loan assistance program is supported by the OSF Foundation and the OSF Saint Elizabeth Auxiliary. One of the goals for the program is to address concerns of a possible workforce shortage within the health care industry, placing more emphasis on recruiting and retaining talent locally.
“In exchange for tuition assistance, award recipients will be asked to invest their skills into the community by returning to work within the hospital or one of our local clinics,” stated Ken Beutke, president of OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center. “By directing our resources for educational assistance more strategically, we help to ensure that caregivers are available in the future.”
The program is open to individuals who have been accepted into a medical field of study, including graduating high school seniors planning to attend a college of higher education or current college students enrolled in an accredited college or university, whose primary residence is in LaSalle County or a surrounding community served by OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center. OSF Mission Partners seeking a degree in a patient care health field may also apply.
To financially support the future of health care in LaSalle County, please contact Cherie Reynolds, director of development with the OSF HealthCare Foundation at (815) 431-5538.