Ballad Health partners with Claude Moore, UVA Wise and MECC to host Exploring Healthcare Careers event

Ballad Health is once again partnering with the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, the University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) and Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) to host the Exploring Healthcare Careers event, offering local middle and high school students an opportunity to explore pathways into the healthcare profession.

The event will take place on Tuesday, March 18, from 5-7 p.m., at Norton Overlook, 815 Park Avenue NW, Norton, Virginia. Open to students in grades 5-12, Exploring Healthcare Careers will provide attendees with hands-on insight into healthcare career paths, as well as opportunities to meet school recruiters and learn about financial aid and program requirements.

“Exploring Healthcare Careers is an excellent opportunity for students and their families to explore the exciting and rewarding world of healthcare,” said Shannon Showalter, chief executive officer for Ballad Health operations in Wise, Lee and Dickenson counties. “By learning about career options early, students can make informed decisions about their futures, develop their passions and embark on careers that will make a real difference in their communities.”

The Exploring Healthcare Careers event is part of Ballad Health’s broader initiative to create a sustainable pipeline of healthcare professionals to address workforce shortages in the Appalachian Highlands. Attendees will have the chance to interact with Ballad Health team members and gain firsthand knowledge about various roles within the healthcare system.

Representatives from UVA Wise and MECC will also be in attendance to share information about degree programs, technical certifications and financial aid opportunities to help students take the next step toward their careers.

“Ballad Health is committed to improving the future of our communities, and education plays a vital role in that mission,” said Dr. Matthew Loos, Ballad Health’s chief academic officer. “Through partnerships like this, we are opening doors for local students to explore the full range of healthcare careers while helping them achieve their personal and professional goals.”

The event builds on the ongoing success of the Claude Moore Scholars program, which provides students in Wise County and Norton City middle schools with early exposure to healthcare careers and pathways toward professional certifications, including Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credentials. Since its inception, the program has engaged more than 1,500 students across Southwest Virginia.

Through the program, MECC and UVA Wise collaborate to accommodate students’ progressions into advanced degrees. Students also have the opportunity to work in roles of increasing responsibility at Ballad Health facilities with flexible schedules to support their educational journeys.

The Claude Moore Scholars program spans across Wise County and Norton City Middle Schools, including Union Middle School, Coeburn Middle School, LF Addington Middle School, JW Adams Combined School, St. Paul Elementary School and Norton Elementary and Middle School.

“Investing in the education and career development of students is at the heart of our mission,” said Dr. William Hazel, senior deputy executive director of the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation.

“Through partnerships with organizations like Ballad Health, we are working to address workforce shortages while empowering students to pursue careers that will improve healthcare access and quality for their communities. Initiatives like Exploring Healthcare Careers are key to building a stronger, healthier future for the Appalachian Highlands.”

Students and parents interested in learning more about healthcare career opportunities are encouraged to attend the event. No registration is required. For more information, contact 276.439.1391.