UofL School of Nursing says $6.5 million gift will target access to health care in underserved areas

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The University of Louisville School of Nursing received a $6.5 million gift that it'll use to help increase access to health care.

The school announced the gift Monday morning, which came through two federal grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration.

The grant will help fund an accelerated Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing. in medically underserved areas of Kentucky. It's also aimed at increasing diversity of nurse practitioners to better address health care needs of underserved areas.

"As an institution committed to diversity and inclusion, these grants will enable more students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed in the nursing profession," said Gerry Bradley, interim provost at UofL.

UofL said in a news release Monday that Kentucky has a "severe shortage" of health care providers, with at least some portion of 113 of the state's 120 counties designated as "Health Professional Shortage Areas" by the HRSA. Included in that are parts of Jefferson County.

"Our objective is to address the shortage of practice-ready registered nurses by increasing access to baccalaureate nursing education across Kentucky." Heather Mitchell, an associate professor and interim associate dean for UofL's undergraduate and pre-licensure programs, said in a news release Monday. "This collaborative effort will provide an opportunity for licensed practical nurses to accelerate their pathway to RN licensure and meet workforce needs in medically underserved areas of Kentucky," Mitchell said. "When I think about the impact we will have on nurses’ and patients’ lives, and for generations to come, knowing that we are making a difference out in those communities is so meaningful to me. This is why I do what I do."

The grant will also help provide students with access to resources like scholarships, child care and transportation stipends.