For Immediate Release
For additional information, contact:
Emily Mata | 517-745-8835
emily.mata@mihin.org
Michigan Health Information Network Receives Going PRO Talent Fund Grants to Invest in Next Generation Health IT Workforce
Grant dollars provide training for both new and existing employees.
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Health Information Network Shared Services (MiHIN) today announced that its family of companies has been awarded three respective grants from the 2024 Going PRO Talent Fund (Talent Fund) program. The Talent Fund is administered by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) in collaboration with Capital Area Michigan Works! (CAMW), and helps employers address talent needs by funding short-term, industry-recognized skills training for current and newly hired employees.
“We are incredibly grateful for the Going PRO Talent Fund grants as they underscore our commitment to investing in our workforce,” said Stephanie Arntson, Training and Learning Manager. “Health Information Technology (HIT) as a career is expected to increase dramatically as the sharing of health information expands nationally. These grants enable us to cultivate and retain the skilled talent necessary to compete and excel in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. It is a testament to our continued commitment to developing the next generation health IT workforce and ensuring the supply of talent meets the current and emerging needs of the industry.”
The Talent Fund grants will fund training programs for 71 employees across MiHIN’s constellation of companies. This training will help employees develop the broad range of skills needed to move the health information technology industry forward, especially with the increasing reliance on technology for managing patient information, improving healthcare outcomes, and enhancing operational efficiency within healthcare organizations.”
The Going PRO Talent Fund is a critical resource for Michigan employers seeking to develop and retain a skilled workforce. The program provides grants for short-term training programs that address identified talent gaps and lead to industry-recognized credentials. Since its launch, the Going PRO Talent Fund program has provided training for about 175,000 Michigan workers and supported the needs of more than 6,000 businesses.
“The future of healthcare hinges on a robust and adaptable workforce – we can’t afford to be stagnant. By investing in workforce development, we nurture talent at every stage, from the fresh graduate to the seasoned professional,” said Dr. Tim Pletcher, Executive Director. “Equipping our workforce with the latest skills empowers them to do the work and develop the solutions that will streamline workflows, improve data analysis, and ultimately, deliver exceptional patient care. From entry-level to mid-career and beyond, this continuous learning journey fosters innovation, ensures we leverage technology’s full potential, and positions healthcare to thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.”
MiHIN, the Interoperability Institute, and Velatura received $66,191.99, $17,290, and $1,995 in grant dollars, respectively. The organizations have worked closely with CAMW to pinpoint essential training needs and shape precise and strategic training plans.
To learn more about MiHIN’s workforce development program, click here.
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About Michigan Health Information Network Shared Services
The Michigan Health Information Network Shared Services (MiHIN) is Michigan’s state-designated entity for the technical, legal, secure, and private exchange of health information. Breaking down disparate and siloed data systems, the digital network is dedicated to transforming the healthcare experience, improving quality, decreasing cost, and solving for health. MIHIN is a 501C3 non-profit, socio-technical collaboration that includes the State of Michigan, Health Information Exchanges, health systems, hospitals, care providers, behavioral health clinics, FQHC’s, PIHPs, health plans/payers, pharmacies, post-acute care, hospices, and the Governor’s Health Information Technology Commission. For more information, visit https://mihin.org.