HRHC Picks Two for Loan Forgiveness
HOOPESTON, IL (August 18, 2009) – The Hoopeston Regional Health Center announced last Spring, that it would offer a brand new program called the Registered Nursing Loan Forgiveness Program. The program was put into affect this summer and the first two recipients were chosen. Kali Lane and Donna Spear, both longtime Hoopeston residents, were chosen to represent the first class to receive this award.
The program was designed and implemented by Harry Brockus, CEO at Hoopeston Regional Health Center, in order to provide area residents with the opportunity to obtain a Registered Nursing Degree from Danville Area Community College. This program provides each recipient a scholarship for all of the costs related; including tuition, books, and other fees. The only requirement is that the recipients sign an agreement to work at the facility for two years upon graduation of the nursing program.
But for these two ladies this program was a perfect fit. Kali Lane was considered a perfect candidate because of her dedication and perseverance. Despite being a young mother she has never given up her dream of becoming a nurse. She said that, “She has always looked up to her aunt, who is a nurse.” And has, “Wanted to make an impact on people’s lives like [her aunt] does every day.” Because of this program Kali will be able to pursue this dream, while not worrying about financial repercussions.
Donna Spear was chosen also because of dedication, but also because of her unique story. A married, mother of three, Donna has worked her entire life to provide for her family. Unfortunately she was never in her dream field - nursing. Her personal experience of being hospital bound for several months early in her life, gave her a great respect for the nursing profession. And through her studies of Respiratory Therapy, she discovered her passion to become a nurse and give her patients the personal care she once had received.
Both of these ladies are ideal examples of what the HRHC is looking for in its recipients of the Registered Nursing Loan Forgiveness Program. The HRHC hopes to continue this program so that area residents have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and to insure that HRHC has the nursing professionals it needs to continue growing in the services offered to the communities it serves. Scholarship applications will be available in March of 2010 for the next school year. If you have questions about this program you can contact Betsy Morgenroth at 217-283-3111or via e-mail at betsy.morgenroth@hoopestoncmh.org. |