In the scenic heartland of the Driftless Region, a remarkable collaboration is shaping the future of healthcare education. Vernon Memorial Healthcare (VMH) is proud to share the story of our ongoing partnership with Westby High School's Health Science Academy Program.
 
Led by dedicated instructor Heidi Hamilton, this program has brought the world of health care to life for students in the Westby School District. They've explored a curriculum including health occupations and medical terminology, which even offers college credits.
 
What sets this partnership apart is the hands-on approach. VMH was honored to open its doors, providing presentations, tours, and hands-on activities spanning various health care fields. From CPR to clinical informatics, the students dove deep.
 
The 2022-2023 cohort celebrated engaging presentations, interactive PowerPoints, and insightful tours. They shadowed across facilities of varying sizes, from the intimate Bland Clinic in Westby to the bustling hospital in Viroqua.
 
The initiative is dedicated to enhancing its offerings, aiming to create a meaningful influence on students aspiring to enter the health care sector.
 
Looking forward, the program envisions a more in-depth exploration of medical terminology to offer students a more robust knowledge base. Additionally, it anticipates providing opportunities such as medical assistant training, exposure to health information management, volunteer hours, and potential youth apprenticeships.
 
The partnership between Vernon Memorial and Westby School is not just a regular program; it's all about developing the next generation. It's like planting seeds and watching them grow. We're here to help these future health care heroes learn and grow.
 
Vernon Memorial is excited to be part of this journey. We're looking forward to seeing our students succeed in their health care careers and make a big difference in our community and beyond.