An omnibus appropriations package signed into law by President Joe Biden today includes $1 million to create a Bellarmine Community Health Professions Simulation Training Center, thanks to a successful community project funding request by Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-03).
The Simulation Training Center will expand the reach of Bellarmine’s existing
Simulation Laboratory. In addition to serving current Bellarmine students, the university plans to use the center to serve K-12 students interested in pursuing health careers and to provide professional-development opportunities for federally qualified health center staff and other regional healthcare practitioners.
The federal funding secured by Yarmuth will allow Bellarmine to purchase medical simulation technology, hire and train faculty, support partnerships with the community, and assist students.
The Bellarmine project was one of 10 that Yarmuth successfully funded through the House Appropriations Committee’s Community Project Funding process, for a total investment of more than $5 million.
“From investing in our community to helping promote racial equity and accessibility, this funding will help support Louisville and the outstanding people who call it home,” Yarmuth said. “This legislation represents a monumental investment in working families, our young people, and our entire community. I’m proud to have worked hard to ensure these local projects were include in this legislation, and I’m honored to see President Biden sign it into law.”
In response to the Louisville region’s strong workforce opportunity in the healthcare industry, the
health professions represent the largest academic programs at Bellarmine.
The region has a particularly acute need for home-health aides, long-term-care certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and bedside nurses, and the COVID-19 pandemic has restricted the availability of suitable training locations. Simulated learning in centers such as the one funded today mimic clinical scenarios and give students detailed feedback, while reducing time spent in direct contact with patients.
“On behalf of Bellarmine University, our community partners and the region we collectively serve, we thank U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth for securing the funding for this important training center,” said Bellarmine President Susan M. Donovan. “Enhancing our ability to provide excellent healthcare providers supports Bellarmine's history of community leadership and service."