Iris Stacker, Delta Health System Chief Executive Officer, shared that Delta Health System-The Medical Center and Warren Washington Issaquena Sharkey Community Action Agency (WWISCAA) partnered together this summer by employing two recent high school graduates allowing these individuals the opportunity to receive hands on experience in a medical setting. Angela Davis and Aniyah Martin worked as patient care coordinators on the Telemetry Unit as part of the WWISCAA-WIOA In School Program.
“This is a wonderful learning experience for graduated high school students entering college to gain knowledge concerning the medical field. Angela and Aniyah graduated from Greenville High School
and will be entering Alcorn State University and Delta State University this fall. Their goal is to be pediatric nurses and our hope is that one day they come back to our hospital to work,” said Stacker.
The WWISCAA-WIOA program is 150 hours worked paid by WWISCAA with the main goal of increasing employment prospects and opportunities. Stacker added, “Delta Health System is investing time and resources into the future of our youth and the area. We feel it is vital to collaborate with our school systems to provide them with resources to educate them in the healthcare field.”
“WWISCAA partnered with GPSD and the CAPPS Center to provide an opportunity for 40 high school students to receive advanced skilled training that would increase their employability skills in our local workforce. This program is made possible through the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act and South Delta Planning and Development is the fiscal agent. All forty high school students received credentials in Pharmacy Tech or Welding and were able to attain employment through this program for the summer in their areas of interests.
Angela Davis and Aniyah Martin both received Pharmacy Tech certificates and have a genuine interest in the medical field. We are very thankful that we were able to establish a partnership with Delta Health System, which allowed these future nurses the opportunity to explore the field of nursing while gaining hands-on experience and preparing for a career in nursing. This partnership echoes the purpose of WIOA, which is to support and equip individuals with opportunities for skilled training so that they can compete in our global economy with longevity and sustainability,” commented Jan Vaughn, WWISCAA -WIOA Youth Coordinator.
Aniyah Martin said, “The experience at the hospital has motivated me to pursue a future career in nursing.”
“I believe that the time here has helped me to continue my love for nursing and a passion for people,” said Angela Davis.
For more information, contact Kim Dowdy, Community Development Manager, at 662.725.2830.