Schools Join Forces With Blue Cross of NEPA to Relieve Nursing Shortage

As part of a statewide effort led by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation (PHEF), Blue Cross is providing more than $14,160 in scholarships to students studying nursing at these schools.

BCNEPA's pledge to nursing education comes at a time when local doctors and hospitals are coping with a significant shortage of nurses.

Statewide, Pennsylvania needs more than 17,000 nurses by 2010 to meet an increasing demand for these specialized medical professionals.

This academic year, BCNEPA scholarships will benefit students at 15 nursing programs throughout 13 counties. PHEF administers the scholarships, which are allocated to colleges and universities according to the number of nursing students they graduate.

Blue Cross recently renewed its commitment to future nurses by extending its partnership with PHEF through 2010.

From left are: Suzanne Fischer Prestoy, PH.D., R.N., and Jesse P.

Shadle, nursing student, both from East Stroudsburg University; Elaine Wheeler, interim vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer, Pocono Medical Center; Cynthia Yevich, senior director, community and foundation affairs, Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania; Lynne Ahner, nursing student, and Kathleen Dolin, associate professor of nursing, both representing Northampton Community College.

Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, headquartered in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

It offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to approximately 600,000 individuals in 13 counties in northeastern and north central Pennsylvania.

The company's mission is to provide innovative solutions that support more affordable health care, promote personal accountability for health and wellness, and offer superior service and partnership to employers, members, and providers.