If this last year taught us anything, it’s that qualified healthcare workers are needed now more than ever. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare industry is expected to add 2.4 million new jobs, which is more than any other occupational group. And as we know, healthcare jobs are predominantly held by women, with women representing about 76% of healthcare professionals.
As we recover from the pandemic in America, Goodwill is teaming with the Anthem Foundation to introduce Rising Together and the Goodwill Healthcare CareerLaunch.
The Anthem Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Anthem, Inc., focuses on funding critical initiates that improve lives and communities. Anthem is committing $750,000 for providing the necessary resources and training needed for individuals interested in working in the healthcare industry. The program is part of the new Rising Together coalition, which gives people support to access healthcare jobs that will lead to sustaining careers.
“We’ve all witnessed the vital role played by healthcare workers during the pandemic, highlighting an urgent need for more people to fill positions such as nursing assistants, technicians and medical assistants,” said Steven C. Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Utilizing Anthem Foundation’s resources and Goodwill’s proven training methods, we will help prepare a new wave of healthcare professionals to fill this critical shortfall.”
As part of Rising Together and Goodwill’s commitment with their partners and global philanthropic and business organizations, participating Goodwill organizations will provide employment services for individuals who train for careers in healthcare. To ensure everyone has access to employment opportunities and economic mobility, Goodwill will offer assistance with housing, transportation, child care, and more. Having these resources will support more individuals, mostly women, so they can enter a career that will lead to economic stability.
“COVID-19 has left a lasting impact on many communities and has changed the landscape of the workforce,” said Felicia Norwood, executive vice president and president, government business division for Anthem, Inc. “The Anthem Foundation is excited to team with Goodwill on this innovative program as part of our commitment to improve lives and communities. It will train thousands of workers and prepare them for high-growth jobs, with good pay and benefits.”
Over the next two years, Goodwill expects to train nearly 1,700 healthcare workers through this partnership. Among growing occupations in this field are nursing assistants, medical records assistants and phlebotomists. The median wage associated with these careers is between $12 and $19 per hour.
Goodwill organizations in the following markets will be part of the initial wave of Goodwill Healthcare CareerLaunch:
- Goodwill of North Georgia (Atlanta, GA)
- Rappahannock Goodwill Industries (Fredericksburg, VA)
- Goodwill Industries Knoxville (Knoxville, TN)
- Goodwill Industries of Arkansas (Little Rock, AR)
- Goodwill Serving the People of Southern Los Angeles County (Long Beach, CA)
- Goodwill of Middle Georgia & the CSRA (Macon, GA)
- Goodwill Industries of the Valleys (Roanoke, VA)
- Goodwill Michiana (South Bend, IN)
ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL. Goodwill Industries International is a network of 156 community-based, autonomous organizations in the United States and Canada with a presence in 12 other countries. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps people find employment, Goodwill is recognized with GuideStar’s highest rating, the Platinum Seal of Approval.
Local Goodwill organizations offer employment opportunities, job placement and training services, and other community-based programs, funded by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 3,300 stores and at shopgoodwill.com®. Last year, more than 24 million people used computers and mobile devices to access Goodwill services, and more than 1.5 million people received in-person services. For more information or to find a Goodwill location near you, visit goodwill.org.
ABOUT THE ANTHEM FOUNDATION. As the philanthropic arm of Anthem, Inc., the Anthem Foundation promotes the organization’s commitment to improving lives and communities. Through strategic partnerships and programs, we are addressing the disparities and social drivers that will help create a healthier generation of Americans. To learn more about the Anthem Foundation, please visit http://www.anthem.foundation and its blog at https://medium.com/anthemfoundation.
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