UACCB and its partners will use the grant to address existing nursing and allied health labor shortages in North Central Arkansas. As more and more Baby Boomers continue to settle in the popular Ozark Foothills upon retirement, the need for a greater number of health care professionals and medical services will only increase.

The UACCB partnership is one of 72 recipients out of 429 applicants nationwide. The grant will be utilized in training activities in 22 counties in North Central Arkansas.

"Well-trained health care professionals are essential in keeping our communities healthy and productive," said Lincoln. "I applaud the University of Arkansas Community College of Batesville and its partners for winning this highly competitive grant and for its proactive efforts to address Arkansas’ health care needs."

"UACCB has given so much throughout the years to strengthen communities throughout North Central Arkansas," Pryor said. "This grant to expand training opportunities for careers in nursing is well-deserved and I am very pleased it will seek to address the crucial shortage of nurses our state is facing."

"These funds will help the University of Arkansas at Batesville establish an important partnership with the local business community that will provide high-skilled jobs for its graduates and improve the quality of health care for local residents," said Berry. "This is one of the best investments we can make in our community. I commend the community college for all its work to secure these funds and promise to help in any way I can to make sure this program continues to grow."

UACCB will expand its existing Nursing and Allied Health programs as well as introduce six new professional health care programs to give students more choices and to help alleviate the shortage of skilled workers in North Central Arkansas. In addition, UACCB’s program will identify alternative labor pools such as incumbent workers seeking to upgrade their skills, immigrants, veterans, older workers, and local residents looking for a new career.

The UACCB partnership includes Arkansas State University at Mountain Home, Ozarka College in Melbourne, The University of Arkansas Systems, Arkansas State University, White River Medical Center, Baxter Regional Medical Center, Fulton County Hospital, Community Medical Center of Izard County, Community Medical at Mountain View, Vital Link Ambulance Service, Townsends of Arkansas, ConAgra, Cave City Nursing Home, Woodlawn Nursing Home, Rolling Hills Nursing Home, Ash Flat Nursing Home, North Central Arkansas Workforce Investment Services, Northwest Arkansas Workforce Investment Services, Batesville School District, Mountain Home School District, Melbourne School District, Cave City School District, Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Mountain Home Area Chamber of Commerce, and Melbourne Area Chamber of Commerce.