b'Workforce Development: Growing our OwnThe pandemic has taken a toll on health care workers across Oregon, leaving a shortage of staff as people left their careers or sought new opportunities. Virginia Garcia is no exception.To respond to the shortage, we took an active approach by: Creating the Maria Loredo Tuition Assistance ProgramGrowing our existing workforce development programExpanding our partnerships with Hillsboro School District (HSD) and Portland Community College (PCC)The Maria Loredo Tuition Assistance Program, named after our beloved and retired Chief Operations Officer, supports staff who are pursuing education and certificate-level training. The program has already supported nearly 30 staff this year.We launched the Virginia Garcia Healthcare Workforce Training Program in early 2022. Modeling it on our successful dental assistant (DA) training program, we added medical assistants and will soon expand to include pharmacy technicians. In an effort to grow our own, we recruit from our staff and community members who represent our target populations. Virginia Garcia covers the costs for the six- to nine-month certification programs. We also offer paid positions, hands-on training and exam coaching while trainees attend school.We are partnering with HSD and PCC to create a workforce pipeline. We support HSDs Career & College Pathways Health Sciences medical assistant program by providing subject matter experts and internships. We are also exploring co-faculty positions at PCC, with clinic rotations at Virginia Garcia for registered nurse and dental hygiene students. We hope to build on this partnership in exciting ways moving into the future.#WeAreVirginiaGarcia'