Our mission, vision, core values, and the coalition that makes HealthForce Kentucky possible.
HealthForce Kentucky was formed in 2022 after the state legislature declared an emergency to address the healthcare workforce shortage. We are a collaborative initiative of colleges, universities, and P–12 school districts across central and western Kentucky, working to expand access to high-quality healthcare training.
Our model operates on a hub-and-spoke approach. Our 35,000-square-foot Innovation Simulation Center in Owensboro serves as the hub — now open and ready to serve learners and communities across the region. Extending our reach into rural communities, our two tractor-trailer–based mobile labs serve as the spokes, bringing advanced simulation technology and resources directly to students through in-school programming.
Our focus is on delivering high-touch, hands-on learning experiences across the full continuum of healthcare education — from students first exploring healthcare careers, all the way through post-licensure professionals advancing their skills. We serve learners in both rural and urban communities, ensuring that quality healthcare training is accessible to all.
Together, the Innovation Simulation Center and our mobile units create a connected network of healthcare education — ensuring that no matter where a learner is in their journey, or where they live, they have access to the tools and training needed to improve clinical outcomes and patient care across all populations.
HealthForce Kentucky is dedicated to transforming and expanding the healthcare workforce through public and private partnerships — providing access to exceptional training resources, immersive scenarios, and experiential learning for all learners to improve the health of our communities.
To be the central pulse for healthcare workforce development in Kentucky and beyond — where every community has access to skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals equipped with cutting-edge training and committed to improving health, equity, and service.
Embracing cutting-edge approaches and technologies to advance healthcare workforce development.
Taking responsibility for outcomes and maintaining measurable standards of excellence.
Highest standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all operations.
Ensuring fair access to training opportunities and healthcare services for all communities.
Strong partnerships across public and private sectors to maximize impact and reach.
Prioritizing community health needs and the greater good above organizational interests.
HealthForce Kentucky is a transformative partnership between healthcare institutions, nine colleges and universities, and P-12 districts.
Regional hospital partners providing clinical context and workforce demand signals.
Nine colleges and universities collaborating on shared healthcare pathways and curriculum.
Public school districts collaborating across Kentucky to spark early healthcare career interest from elementary through high school.
