HCA Virginia announces $50K grant to expand access to healthcare careers

HCA Virginia, through HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund, has announced a $50,000 grant to expand access to healthcare education across the Commonwealth.

The grant award to The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education will fund expanding Virginia Western Community College’s joint venture model, which brings together Virginia Western’s expertise and infrastructure with additional community colleges. Students gain access to a broader range of programs, including radiation oncology, medical lab technicians and surgical technology. These programs have already demonstrated significant success in enhancing educational access, resource-sharing and job placement rates.

“We are committed to investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals through our Healthier Tomorrow Fund grants,” said Christopher Finley, assistant vice president of community engagement at HCA Healthcare. “We will not only strengthen the healthcare industry but also empower the communities we serve by increasing exposure and access to diverse healthcare careers.”

The grant is part of the HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund, a $75 million community impact fund supporting innovative initiatives focused on addressing high-priority community needs and health equity.

“We are grateful for the Foundation and HCA Healthcare’s passion for investing in Virginia and developing the next generation of healthcare leaders,” said Jennifer Sager Gentry, vice chancellor for institutional advancement and executive director for the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education. “This funding will help address educational disparities and create pathways to healthcare careers.”

The grant will focus on four key areas: expanding access to healthcare careers for underserved populations; providing an innovative and scalable model to strengthen the healthcare workforce; focusing on diversity and inclusion in healthcare careers; and making a long-term economic and workforce development impact.

“HCA Virginia’s support will enable us to broaden Virginia Western’s joint venture healthcare offerings,” said Dr. Robert H. Sandel, Virginia Western Community College President. “Providing students with the essential skills and hands-on experiences has been a cornerstone of our healthcare programs and training, and we’re excited to extend these opportunities to more underserved populations across Virginia with our programs.”