A new partnership has been forged between Piedmont Henry Hospital, Gordon State College and Henry County Schools.
An announcement was made December 7 regarding school district superintendent Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis, GSC president Dr. Kirk Nooks and Piedmont Henry CEO Dr. Lily Henson signing a memorandum of understanding forming a Community Innovation Campus partnership.

“This innovative venture will aid in creating a pool of future nurses to serve in Henry County by harnessing the passions of local students,” according to a statement. “The vision of the program is to develop a pathway that creates a pipeline for aspiring healthcare professionals while also increasing the number of students who enter the nursing profession following graduation.”

The partnership includes an opportunity for Henry County Schools students entering the ninth grade to begin a rigorous and specially designed curriculum of accelerated academic coursework with access to courses that provide hands-on, authentic learning experiences. Dual-enrollment students graduating with an associate’s degree’s worth of college credits and a job offer are just a few of the benefits of this exciting opportunity.

“It is with great excitement that we provide this opportunity for students to engage in their career of choice at an early age,” said assistant school district superintendent Courtney Jones. “We know that there are students who have a clear understanding of what they want to do following high school and we believe that students who select this option will not only thrive, but ultimately reach their career goals.”

According to officials, the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing facility residents and staff has brought increased attention to long-standing workforce issues. Like so many hospitals around the country, Piedmont Henry has not been spared from experiencing staffing shortages in nearly every job family, especially in nursing.

Two products of Henry County Schools – one past and one present – attended the event and gave everyone a glimpse into their plans regarding the medical field.

“The experiences I’ve had in Henry County Schools have prepared me well for my career interests and pursuits,” said Locust Grove High student Skyla Gilbert, “and I am grateful.”

“I feel like it’s more than just having a job, it’s a ministry,” said Gleanne Joyce. “It’s also an opportunity to minister and serve people.”