November 6, 2018 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu
The South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) has awarded the health services policy and management (HSPM) department $25,000 to support the development of a high-quality healthcare workforce. SCHA made the same gift, known as the Indigo Enrichment Scholarship, to Clemson University’s School of Nursing, with the possibility of two additional years of funding contingent upon annual review for both institutions.
Funding for the scholarship program is provided by SCHA Solutions. A division of the hospital association, SCHA Solutions partners with companies that provide workforce and operational services to state hospitals and health systems.
"SCHA recently completed on-site meetings with leaders of every hospital in the state to learn more about their issues and challenges. Topping the list was recruiting and retaining a quality workforce," says Lara Hewitt, SCHA Solutions vice president for workforce and partner engagement. "That makes it our priority, and we're pleased to be able to award these grants to help prepare the next generation of healthcare staff."
HSPM will use the funds to support students in the department’s master of health administration (MHA) program. The Arnold School’s MHA program is recognized for preparing healthcare leaders, particularly through hands-on, practical experience. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), this program equips graduates with in-demand competencies required for leading organizations engaged in the management and delivery of health and healthcare services.
"The SCHA scholarship will help the MHA program as it prepares students for positions to advance the provision of effective, efficient and equitable health services in South Carolina," says clinical associate professor and MHA program director Bankole Olatosi. "Our students will benefit from the increased access to professional education available through conferences, meetings, and trainings to complement their education. Such opportunities will also be used as a marketing tool for recruiting more talented future health administrators to South Carolina."
Founded in 1921, the South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) is the leadership organization and principal advocate for the state's hospitals and healthcare systems. Based in Columbia, SCHA works with its members to improve access, quality, and cost-effectiveness of health care for all South Carolinians. The state's hospitals and healthcare systems employ more than 70,000 persons statewide.
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