A Surge in Public Health Interest

Are college students today becoming more interested in health related careers?  According to an article in the Washington Post today the answer would be yes.  College campuses across the country are increasing their offerings in public and global health to meet the surging student demand.  My first reaction was; is this an opportunistic response to the growing demand for health care professionals both nationally and abroad?   Do young people recognize the immediate opportunities that are out there for them in health related careers once they graduate?  In most of the U.S. urban markets, including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, the demand is so stark that students typically have job offers well before they even graduate.  To my surprise, the article refreshingly points to a youth movement that is "communitarian" and action oriented.  Young people want to make a difference in their communities and in the broader global community. Focusing on global health issues is their strategy to do it.  

Then I got to thinking about the growing demand for bilingual health care professionals.  It is well documented that the Hispanic population in the U.S. is growing exponentially--which invariably leads to a growing bilingual, bicultural population.  One of the best health care career pathways to address the growing need for bilingual health care professionals resides at the National Council of La Raza (NCLR).  The NCLR Health Care Career Pathways Initiative works with its Affiliates to link the nation’s future labor force with dynamic industries by creating innovative and replicable partnership models that prepare, retain, and advance Latino workers in quality careers. Through the NCLR Health Care Career Pathways Initiative, NCLR funds and strengthens existing Affiliate programs by incorporating strategies that support the upward mobility and skills acquisition of Latinos in the health care industry. 

The best example of this comprehensive approach to developing Latino health care professionals is the Carreras en Salud model in Chicago.  This award winning program is administered by Instituto del Progreso Latino, an established organization that has been doing tremendous work on Chicago's south side for many years.  The program is a braided initiative that weaves social supports, like case management and job development with integrated educational support to bridge the gap between limited English proficient individuals and high-paying Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) positions.

Since its implementation in early 2005, over 700 students have enrolled in Carreras en Salud – 85 bilingual and bicultural mostly Latina students completed the program and attained their LPN. Graduates have doubled their salaries, earning on average $40,000 per year. 

A great example of personal and economic empowerment during Hispanic Heritage month.