Freeman receives Workforce Training grant of nearly $1.8 million

Freeman Health System this week received a nearly $1.8 million workforce grant that will allow the health system to train or retain skilled workers in traditionally “high-need” medical areas, such as nursing and scrub tech.

Freeman is one of just 19 Missouri-based companies awarded a Workforce Training grant from the Missouri Department of Economic Development and received a total amount of $1,786,598.

The grant will help Freeman officials recruit and train 820-plus individuals for healthcare careers – nurses, scrub technicians, EEG technicians, certified medical assistants, emergency medical technicians and rural primary care providers. These positions have some of the highest vacancy and turnover rates in Missouri.

The grant also allows Freeman to expand some of its existing programs, such as its scrub tech and medical assistant program. Freeman has plans to consolidate its Professional Development center inside the David A. Ball Medical Building and renovate space inside to create state-of-the-art classrooms. New equipment will also be purchased to aid hands-on training and skill demonstrations. This will only enhance Freeman’s reputation as top-notch teaching hospital.

“With the physical expansion of our Professional Development center, we will be able to provide a wider range of training, which in turn allows employees to advance in their careers at Freeman Health System,” said Mary Frerer, Freeman’s Chief Human Resource Officer.