Washington, DC (June 15, 2006) – Today, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Nursing Education and Practice Retention Program has awarded South Texas College with a $268,000 grant over three years for a total of $804,000. Congressman Hinojosa wrote a letter of support to HRSA in support of South Texas College.
South Texas College will utilize these funds toward the South Texas Educational Professional Upward Program (STEP-UP) that aims to increase enrollment and facilitate the retention of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) students through progressive courses of study, leading to an Associate Degree in Nursing and licensure as Registered Nurses.
“In South Texas, we are in dire need of critical medical services and qualified allied health professionals in order to meet the growing population needs,” said Hinojosa. “The Rio Grande Valley is uniquely vulnerable to health disparities and has been listed as medically underserved for nearly 10 years. And, the region, which is predominately Hispanic, suffers from some of the highest incidences of major diseases. This program is a pro-active solution to help meet this region’s needs.”
Thirty states, including Texas, were estimated to have shortages of RNs in the year 2000, and the shortage is expected to intensify over the next two decades with 44 states, including Texas, having shortages by the year 2010. This shortage is expected to continue as the demand for healthcare services continues with a growing population; an increase in uninsured and underinsured individuals; and, an increase in the numbers of people who are critically or chronically ill.
The goals of STEP-UP are: to expand the applicant pool of Hispanics through active recruitment; and, to increase the competitiveness of the applicant’s test scores used for admission into nursing by conducting training and test preparation. Students will also have access to the latest electronic resources, best hands-on experiences, and qualified pool of faculty, staff and mentors.
“The STEP-UP initiative would increase the supply and diversity of health professionals, and will help retain these nurses to directly help the underserved,” Hinojosa continued. “Through a smart, practical and hands-on approach, the program will provide students with the tools they need to go back into the community and provide quality and affordable health care to those who need it the most.”
South Texas College was created in 1993 by the Texas Legislature to serve Hidalgo and Starr Counties.