Investment Boosts UNCG Nursing Program and Rural Health Care Access in North Carolina

UNCG Receives Substantial Investment for Nursing Program

The University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) proudly announces the receipt of a generous $715,000 investment from the UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina. This funding is specifically aimed at enhancing the resources of the School of Nursing, all while expanding healthcare access in underprivileged and rural areas of the state.

UNCG is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and support for its students, both within and beyond the classrooms. The recent investment will allow the School of Nursing to realize its mission of providing critical health care services in rural communities that often face significant challenges, notably a lack of transportation, insurance coverage, and preventive health care.

Enhancing Care with Mobile Clinics

In a significant move towards innovative health delivery, the UNCG School of Nursing launched Minerva's Mobile Health clinic in 2023. This initiative delivers a range of medical services directly to communities in counties like Alamance, Caswell, Davidson, and Rockingham, where health access is otherwise limited. Patients in these regions often struggle to obtain necessary health care due to their geographic and financial circumstances. In fact, such is the demand that Minerva's Mobile Health has received more requests than it can currently accommodate.

The funding from UnitedHealthcare will facilitate the expansion of this vital service by enabling the purchase of a second mobile clinic van and hiring additional staff. With this support, the School of Nursing aims to increase its service capabilities significantly, projecting to reach an additional 1,000 clients each year and operating six days a week instead of four.

Opportunities for Nursing Students

Moreover, this investment goes further than just providing care; it is an investment in the future of nursing. The UNCG School of Nursing anticipates doubling the number of students who gain hands-on experience through this program, raising the figure from 314 to over 600 students. Dr. Debra Barksdale, dean of the School of Nursing, emphasizes that this expansion equips students with invaluable real-world experience, enhancing their clinical judgment, communication skills, and overall confidence.

Students who participate in the Minerva's Mobile Health clinic will engage with patients who present diverse health needs, from basic screenings to more complex care scenarios, including follow-up examinations and vaccinations. By doing so, students can apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, preparing them for their future careers as health care professionals.

A Commitment to Social Responsibility

Anita Bachmann, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina, articulated the company's commitment to making quality health care accessible to all, underscoring their pledge to dismantling barriers in the healthcare system. This investment aims not only to enhance immediate health outcomes but also to support workforce development in rural communities.

Expectations are high that the investment will lead to better health outcomes for individuals in these areas. New equipment will facilitate on-site lab testing, reducing the need for patients to rely on external labs and allowing for quicker diagnosis and treatment pathways. Early tests may detect issues such as prediabetes or diabetes, enabling timely interventions that can impact lives positively.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Barksdale asserts that the School of Nursing is keen to utilize this funding effectively. The complexities of operating a mobile health clinic require skilled professionals and adequate resources, such as glucometers and educational materials aimed at promoting health management among patients. UNCG is grateful to UnitedHealthcare for their belief in the significance of community care and their role in enabling transformative changes within rural areas.

With nearly 18,000 students enrolled, UNCG remains a hub of diversity and academic rigor, offering over 150 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs. The university is nationally recognized for its affordability, social mobility efforts, and dedication to improving the lives of North Carolinians through education and community engagement. For more information about UNCG, visit their official website at uncg.edu.