An omnibus appropriations package signed into law by President Joe Biden today includes
$1 million to create a Bellarmine Community Health Professions Simulation Training
Center, thanks to a successful community project funding request by Congressman John
Yarmuth (KY-03).
The Simulation Training Center will expand the reach of Bellarmine’s existing Simulation Laboratory. In addition to serving current Bellarmine students, the university plans to use
the center to serve K-12 students interested in pursuing health careers and to provide
professional-development opportunities for federally qualified health center staff
and other regional healthcare practitioners.
The federal funding secured by Yarmuth will allow Bellarmine to purchase medical simulation
technology, hire and train faculty, support partnerships with the community, and assist
students.
The Bellarmine project was one of 10 that Yarmuth successfully funded through the
House Appropriations Committee’s Community Project Funding process, for a total investment
of more than $5 million.
“From investing in our community to helping promote racial equity and accessibility,
this funding will help support Louisville and the outstanding people who call it home,”
Yarmuth said. “This legislation represents a monumental investment in working families,
our young people, and our entire community. I’m proud to have worked hard to ensure
these local projects were include in this legislation, and I’m honored to see President
Biden sign it into law.”
In response to the Louisville region’s strong workforce opportunity in the healthcare
industry, the health professions represent the largest academic programs at Bellarmine.
The region has a particularly acute need for home-health aides, long-term-care certified
nursing assistants (CNAs) and bedside nurses, and the COVID-19 pandemic has restricted
the availability of suitable training locations. Simulated learning in centers such
as the one funded today mimic clinical scenarios and give students detailed feedback,
while reducing time spent in direct contact with patients.
“On behalf of Bellarmine University, our community partners and the region we collectively
serve, we thank U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth for securing the funding for this important
training center,” said Bellarmine President Susan M. Donovan. “Enhancing our ability
to provide excellent healthcare providers supports Bellarmine's history of community
leadership and service."