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Blue Cross Blue Shield WY

Caring Foundation Funds WY Nurse Education

October 7, 2016 -

Investing in Nursing

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming Caring Foundation has invested in nursing education at the community college and University levels through the creation of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming Scholars Program, part of the larger initiative, Meeting Wyoming’s Needs Through Nurse Education. The gift, which totals more than $80,000, will support scholarships for students pursuing baccalaureate and doctor of nursing practice degrees. 

“Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming is committed to improving the health of its members and strengthening the Wyoming healthcare system,” said Rick Schum, President and CEO. “As we meet with local hospital officials, they tell us how difficult it is to find nursing staff. Our Caring Foundation gives us a great opportunity to invest in quality people who will be on the front lines working with patients to ensure they get healthy and stay healthy longer.”  

Gift provides scholarships

Each year, the gift will provide scholarships at each Wyoming community college to students who want to continue their education and pursue their bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Wyoming. Scholarships will also be awarded to students in the UW Doctor of Nurse Practice program who intend to practice in a clinic setting in Wyoming after graduation. The BCBSWY Caring Foundation already funds scholarships for community college students interested in the health professions and nursing through its Health Scholarship program.   

“Recruiting nurses for our community hospital is one of our biggest challenges,” said Jerry Klein, CEO of Sweetwater Memorial Hospital in Rock Springs.  “We’re excited about this support for nurse education and hope to work closely with the University and Blue Cross Blue Shield to expand this program to provide educational opportunities for even more interested Wyoming students.”

Mary Burman, Dean of the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing said, “This fantastic partnership between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming and the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing supports nurses completing their BSN degree, which is strongly recommended by the Institute of Medicine. Moreover, it supports DNP students who will serve important roles in primary care and psychiatric mental health.”  

Wyoming Scholars for the 2016-2017 academic year include:

  • Anna Felton, BSN, RN -- Lander, WY - Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner Student

  • Danielle Alverado-Speager -- Laramie, WY - ADN, Laramie County Community College

  • Janae Holtzclaw -- Rock Springs, WY - ADN, Western Wyoming Community College

  • Kara Jackson -- Rock Springs, WY - ADN, Western Wyoming Community College

  • Brenda Jennings -- Casper, WY - ADN, Casper College

  • Brian McGeogh -- Jackson, WY - ADN, Central Wyoming College

  • Kari Zora -- Cody, WY - ADN, Northwest College

  • Lillian Foster -- Gillette, WY - ADN, Northern Wyoming Community College District  

About the University of Wyoming Foundation

The University of Wyoming Foundation is an independent, nonprofit corporation dedicated to securing, managing and stewarding private gifts to support the University of Wyoming’s missions in teaching, research and public service. As the state’s premier four-year institution of higher education, private support from alumni and friends has never been more important.

About the Blue Cross Blue Shield Caring Foundation of Wyoming

As a caring community, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming has been involved in promoting the good health and wellbeing of Wyoming residents by participating in and contributing to many health related charities and causes.  In 1990, BCBSWY established the Caring Foundation of Wyoming to help sustain this mission. The Caring Foundation of Wyoming now focuses its support through charitable giving.

 

Contact Us

UW Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing

Click here for Contact Information

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