April 20, 2023
EAU CLAIRE – The Royal Credit Union Foundation made a $17,000 gift to the Dove Healthcare Community Foundation. The majority of the funds were used to create a state-of-the art virtual learning lab for the Healthcare Workforce Training Institute (Institute), a priority project of the Dove Healthcare Community Foundation.
The virtual learning lab will assist the Institute in increasing and advancing the healthcare workforce throughout Wisconsin and beyond by providing students easier access to education that is required to enter the healthcare field and move forward in their career path. Features of the virtual learning lab include enhanced technology supports such as tracking cameras, responsive sound systems, a smart board, and other devices.
Institute Director Paula Gibson said, “Every week, we receive calls from prospective students or healthcare providers interested in our classes, but time and distance create a barrier. The investment by the Royal Credit Union Foundation in our virtual learning platform will allow us to better serve our students and expand our reach.”
The Institute will start out using the lab for a class that advances nursing home CNAs to medication aides. Starting March 27, the class will be available for the first time in Wisconsin as a hybrid format, a blend of online live learning and in-person classroom / clinical instruction.
“Healthcare is a vital need in our communities, especially now, and the Foundation is proud to support the Healthcare Workforce Training Institute,” said John Sackett, President, Royal Credit Union Foundation. “The virtual learning lab will improve the quality of life for community members for years to come.”
The remaining funds will support the purchase of geriatric nurse aide manikins for the Institute’s nurse aide training program, as well as first aid, CPR, and AED supplies so that classes can be offered in more communities.
To learn more about the Healthcare Workforce Training Institute or register for a class, visit healthcareworkforcetraining.com or call 715-726-3849.
The Dove Healthcare Community Foundation was established in 2017 and has a special interest in advancing the healthcare workforce in Northwest Wisconsin, as well as supporting programs and initiatives that aim to enhance the lives of seniors, including Veterans and those with a chronic or complex health condition or rehabilitative need. The non-profit 501(c)(3) organization serves Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Rice Lake, Barron, Bloomer, Osseo, and surrounding communities.
The Healthcare Workforce Training Institute was established in 2022 and aims to increase and advance the healthcare workforce in Northwest Wisconsin through quality, accessible certifications and trainings. The nurse aide training program / CNA, medication aide, CBRF, first aid, CPR, and dementia classes are hosted in Bloomer, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Osseo, and Rice Lake with virtual class options starting in 2023.
The Royal Credit Union Foundation was established in 2012 to support organizations and initiatives in communities where Royal Credit Union operates in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. The Foundation focuses on large-scale, capital projects that help build community and create the spaces where people come together. Focus areas include education, health, and the arts. The Foundation hosts the annual Rock the Riverfront-Charity Classic event in Eau Claire. Currently, it has awarded more than $7 million in grants.
