Events

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December 11, 2024

Location:  Phoebe/Albany Technical College Living & Learning Community

SWGA Healthcare Sector Partnership Meeting Spotlights Innovative Solutions for Nurse Shortage

On December 11, 2024, the SWGA Healthcare Sector Partnership convened at the state-of-the-art Phoebe/Albany Technical College Living & Learning Community in Albany, GA, for an impactful in-person meeting. The event showcased the ongoing efforts of regional healthcare leaders to tackle pressing challenges, including the critical nursing shortage in Georgia.

A Vision for the Future of Healthcare Education
The meeting was hosted by:

  • Lisa Stephens, Associate VP for Academic Affairs, Albany Technical College
  • Dr. Morris Clarington, Dean of Academic Affairs for Nursing & Allied Health Sciences
  • Dr. Tracy Suber, VP of Education, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital

Attendees were introduced to the Living & Learning Community, a 130,000 square-foot facility designed to transform healthcare education and training. Opened in August 2024, the complex was built on the site of the former Albany High School, incorporating original architectural elements to honor its history.

This innovative facility provides:

  • Education Space: The first floor houses telehealth-enabled classrooms, skills labs, meeting rooms, a library, a health career education center, and social amenities.
  • Programs Offered: RN and LPN programs, alongside certified nurse aide and phlebotomy training.
  • Student Housing: The second and third floors feature 80 fully furnished apartments, plus common areas designed to foster collaboration and community among nursing students.

The Living & Learning Community exemplifies the spirit of the SWGA Healthcare Sector Partnership’s motto of being a “Partnership of Communication and Collaboration”. Collaborative efforts of partners, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and Albany Technical College, brought all of this to fruition in support the future of healthcare in the region.

Meeting Highlights
The meeting opened with Jerry Chapman, SWGA Healthcare Partnership Co-Project Manager, providing updates on several ongoing and upcoming initiatives:

  • Scholarship Program: Supporting healthcare students in their educational journeys.
  • South Georgia Healthcare Summit: A collaborative event with the South Georgia Healthcare Group in Region 11.
  • Additional projects aimed at strengthening the regional healthcare workforce.

Following Chapman’s updates, attendees shared reports from their respective organizations, highlighting the continued commitment of each partner to advancing healthcare education and delivery in South Georgia.

Facility Tour
The meeting concluded with an inspiring tour of the Living & Learning Community, allowing participants to experience the cutting-edge features of the facility firsthand.

Building a Collaborative Future
The December 11 meeting demonstrated the power of partnership in addressing critical challenges within the healthcare sector. The SWGA Healthcare Sector Partnership is fostering growth, education, and collaboration to meet the healthcare needs of the region.