Panola College awarded $279,280 TRUE grant to enhance health science programs

Panola College has received a $279,280 Texas Reskilling and Upskilling through Education (TRUE) grant, aimed at advancing four key health science programs. The funding will enable the College to offer specialized training and develop Occupational Skills Awards in remote patient monitoring. The grant, awarded by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, will benefit students and the community by providing essential skills and improving patient care in East Texas.

Through a collaborative partnership with UT Health East Texas Home Health, the grant will facilitate the placement of remote monitoring equipment into the homes of East Texas Residents. Students in health science programs will gain hands-on experience with the equipment, emphasizing practical skills and real-world applications, empowering them to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

The grant will support four health science programs at the College, including Associate Degree Nursing, Health Information Technology, Medical Assisting, and Occupational Therapy Assisting. The training will equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to serve underserved residents in our communities, addressing healthcare disparities caused by limited access to equitable care.

“I am incredibly thankful for the interprofessional partnerships between our health science programs, UT Health East Texas Home Health, and the financial support from the TRUE grant award,” said Julie Green, chair of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program. “This program exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration, combining education with community connections to foster a healthier future for East Texas residents.”

The grant was coauthored by Green and Natalie Oswalt, dean of career and technical programs.

In addition to gaining valuable experience, students in these programs will earn Occupational Skills Awards, which are recognized as stand-alone credentials and also integrated into existing award programs. These credentials provide essential skills and address the growing demand for specialized healthcare professionals.

“We are confident that this program will not only elevate the quality of care provided by its graduates but will also help to meet the growing demand for specialized healthcare professionals in our region,” said Dr. Mike Little, joint venture president of UT Health East Texas Home Health. “We also believe this will significantly contribute to addressing the skills gap and preparing a new generation of healthcare professionals.”

For more information about Panola College’s health science programs, visit panola.edu/healthsciences.