As the summer days dwindle down and our youth start heading back to school, we’re thinking about the next generation of health care team members. We continue to partner with local middle schools, high schools, and colleges to grow awareness of the variety of health care careers.

At UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center, we have a Student Connection Committee focused on educating youth about all health care careers. We offer job shadowing throughout the year for high school students interested in a variety of careers, including radiology technician, ultrasound technician and nursing. Earlier this spring, we had more than 50 students visit Trinity from Fort Dodge Senior High, St. Edmond, Southeast Webster Grand and Southeast Valley. They visited a variety of departments, including Radiology, Surgery, Emergency, Pediatrics, Dermatology, Acute Care, and the Critical Care Unit. During the tour, students were able to ask questions of team members to learn more about the different locations at the hospital. The Student Connection Committee also spent time with Fort Dodge Senior High’s Health Occupations Students of America group, providing education about touring health care facilities, different hands-on experiences for students, and supplies used in the simulation center.

We are thankful for a great partnership with Iowa Central Community College, and the ability to host students in the William G. and Marlys Smith Simulation Center. We partnered together to host “Nurse Camp” for seventh and eighth graders, who had the opportunity to experience simulated bedside patient care and participate in the hands-on skill lab. Iowa Central faculty and Trinity team members were there to answer any questions and discuss all kinds of health care careers.

We’re thankful for Iowa Central, and all they do to bring quality education to our community. It’s a great place to learn, and a great opportunity for students to work at Trinity while they complete their degree. We are proud to recruit many talented nurses, radiology, and lab technicians to Trinity upon completion of their degree from Iowa Central – they continue to grow and sustain our community.

Our work in the community is continually growing. With our Back-to-School New Shoes Program, we are partnering with Athletics for Education and Success (AFES) and many other local companies to provide brand new shoes to students who qualify for a free or reduced lunch. This is our second year of the program, and we hope to provide almost 500 shoes to sixth, seventh and eighth graders at Fort Dodge Middle School, St. Paul, St. Edmond and Community Christian.

By supporting our community in many ways, we’re thinking of our next generation; the next wave of health care team members and the next generation of those of us who will need health care services. Best of luck to all local students as they return to the classroom for another year of school. We look forward to growing our community, providing excellence in health care delivery through our partnership and bringing more awareness to the abundance of careers in the health care industry.

Leah Glasgo is the chief executive officer of UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge.