b'Partnerships Rebuilding our WorkforceWorkforce shortages and lack of diversity in health care are a national problem experienced in Oregon, stemming from historic underinvestment, current economic and social forces, and systemic racism. However, Virginia Garcia is turning this challenge into an opportunity to lift up our staff and our community. Two years ago, the organization launched robust workforce development programs that provide tuition assistance, paid training, and upward mobility to Virginia Garcia staff and other community members. To date, five new medical assistants and 11 new dental assistants started their careers with Virginia Garcia thanks to the implementation of these initiatives.Dental assistant apprentices earn aFive new salary while completing the dentalmedical assistant certificate program at Portland Community Colleges (PCC) CLIMBassistants and Center. The students graduated debt-free11 new dental thanks to a partnership with CareOregon, which covers tuition for allassistants Virginia Garcia staff attending PCCs Integrated Community Dental Assisting (ICDA) program. They are now qualified to transition into fullstarted their time dental assistant positions at Virginia Garcia clinics. careers with A continued partnership with the Hillsboro School District led toVirginia 21 students graduating with medical assisting credentials last schoolGarcia thanks year. The programs success has led to the expansion of high schoolto workforce offerings to include dental assisting courses, which launched in fall 2023. With these vocational certificates in hand, students can beginpartnerships.earning an income upon graduation from high school, or can continue their education for a more advanced health care career. #WeAreVirginiaGarciaSupport our workforceDONATEdevelopment programs.'