On March 2, the North Shore Health Care Foundation (NSHCF) launched the ‘Investing in Our Future Health Care Workforce Solutions’ initiative and announced an investment in state-of-the-art Simulation Manikin Technology never before available in Cook County. This training technology will benefit the Hospital and Care Center at North Shore Health, the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic and Grand Portage Health, and First Responder units.

This collaborative initiative led by the Foundation will address critical shortages of Emergency Medical Responders and Technicians (EMTs/EMRs), as well as Certified Nurse Aids (CNAs) and Licensed Practical Nurses in the area, and help maintain fundamental services such as the Ambulance Service and the Care Center. The addition of simulation training technology in combination with the recently accredited EMT and EMR training programs developed by North Shore Health will improve access to high-quality career training at home, and will bring the rural hospital up to par with other facilities.

Simulation Manikins have responsive vitals, the ability to bleed and release fluids and have the ability to communicate through the operator. The manikins can also be used outside of the hospital or clinic environment for training exercises in remote areas of the county to prepare First Responders for real service. The Trauma Manikin NSHCF is funding is the most versatility for our health care employees for everything from responding to severe traumatic injuries to cardiac incidents to learning how to place IVs and care for residents of the Care Center.

The availability of this technology along with the new EMT/EMR training courses that was recently approved by the MN Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB) curriculum developed by North Shore Health’s Education Director Jon Moe, will improve hands-on skills training to better prepare those pursuing health careers and come out of training with confidence and muscle memory. Moe is an experienced Simulation Trainer with many years of experience directing simulation training programs at community colleges around the state and recently relocated to Cook County, joining North Shore Health.

30-30-30: $30,000 DEDICATION IN OUR 30TH YEAR TO POSITION COOK COUNTY FOR NEXT 30 YEARS

The Foundation is dedicating $30,000 of its 2023 grant budget towards the initiative to match community donations to assist with the costs of the initiative. Due to the urgent need for this equipment and workforce development, the Foundation is purchasing the Simulation Training Technology through a low-interest short-term loan with Grand Marais State Bank, to begin these critical training programs.

The overall goal is to raise $80,000 to help implement solutions that will help set up Cook County for the next 30 years. These funds will go towards:

• the purchase of the $57,000 Simulation Manikin equipment,
• additional workforce training programs with Sawtooth Mountain Clinic including the:
  • Medical Assistant Training program
  • new Pharmacy Technician in Training program, as well as
• identify and develop new workforce solutions through collaborative planning.

YOU CAN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION – WE NEED YOU

Donations to the Investing in Our Future, Health Care Workforce Solutions fundraising campaign, can be made at: www.NorthShoreHealthCareFoundation.org/donate