Acadiana Workforce Solutions (AWS) is launching the Country Road Inclusion Project, an initiative aimed at addressing the demand for skilled healthcare workers in Acadiana while providing equitable opportunities for marginalized and rural communities. The project is scheduled to get underway Wednesday.
This innovative project brings together key community partners, including regional housing authorities, the St. Landry Community Action Agency for transportation services, South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc), Louisiana State University at Eunice (LSUE), and two major healthcare employers—Ochsner Lafayette General and Opelousas General Health System and Transfer VR services.
St. Landry Parish Government/ Acadiana Workforce Solutions was one of the three recipients in Louisiana to receive $1.5 million from the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 6 Grant: A Grant Initiative for the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border Regions.
St. Landry Parish President and CEO of Local Workforce Area 40 (A.K.A. Acadiana Workforce Solutions Board), Jessie Bellard, said, “St. Landry Parish Government is immensely grateful to receive this grant, which represents a significant step forward for our community. This funding will allow us to enhance our infrastructure, support local initiatives, and create new opportunities for our residents. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and a bright promise for the future of our parishes.”
“At Ochsner Lafayette General, we understand the importance of addressing healthcare workforce challenges while creating opportunities for individuals in our community,” said Patrick W. Gandy, Jr., chief executive officer, Ochsner Lafayette General. “Through our partnerships with LSUE, SoLAcc, and UL, we are already seeing tremendous success in filling critical gaps in the healthcare workforce. The Country Road Inclusion Project builds on these achievements, and we are excited to continue working with AWS and other partners to shape the future of healthcare in Acadiana.”
“Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to Acadiana Workforce Solutions and all community partners working on the Country Road Inclusion Project,” said Lance J. Armentor, President & CEO, Opelousas General Health System. “There are so many career entryways within the healthcare system that lead to sustained job advancement. When new employees join our team, they instantly become part of our family. When our family cares for your family, it builds a sense of home. A career in healthcare can be very rewarding and provide a sense of belonging to something bigger in life.”
“South Louisiana Community College is excited to partner with Acadiana Workforce Solutions, LSUE, Ochsner Health, St. Landry Parish Community Action Agency and Opelousas General, for the Country Roads Inclusion initiative. Considering the College’s keen focus on rural development, providing education and training for individuals desiring a lucrative career in the healthcare industry is a priority for SoLAcc,” siad, Dr. Vincent June, chancellor, South Louisiana Community College.
“Louisiana State University at Eunice is proud to partner with Acadiana Workforce Solutions, Ochsner Heath, Opelousas General and SoLAcc on the Country Road Inclusion Project. Ensuring that our rural communities thrive is part of the LSUE mission. A major component is through providing the highest quality educated and trained workforce in healthcare for Acadiana to keep our citizens are healthy and thriving,” said Dr. Nancee Sorenson, chancellor, Louisiana State University at Eunice
Vision for the Future The Country Road Inclusion Project is designed to create meaningful, lasting change by addressing systemic barriers to employment and fostering a sustainable pipeline of healthcare workers in the Acadiana region.
“Acadiana Workforce Solutions, under the guidance of St. Landry Parish Government, is honored and excited about the Country Road inclusion Project. This project will expand training, improve employee skills, and create new job opportunities in the health care system. Acadiana Workforce deeply appreciates the commitments of our partners TransfrVR, SoLAcc, Ochsner Lafayette General, Opelousas General Health System, LSUE and St. Landry Community Action Agency and look forward to a successful partnership,” said Acadiana Workforce Solutions Director Brenda Foulcard.
For more information about the Country Road Inclusion Project, visit https://acadianaworkforce.org/country-road-inclusion-project/or contact Keithen Domingue at: kdomingue@wib40.org or 337-351-6859.
