HealthForce Kentucky broke ground Friday on a cutting-edge simulation center. The 36,000-square-foot facility is designed to address critical healthcare workforce shortages by providing immersive training for aspiring healthcare professionals.
The facility is located in Owensboro’s former Health Business Center at 2511 Frederica Street.
HealthForce Kentucky is a collaboration among nine colleges, 16 counties, and numerous public and private partners.
“This project exemplifies what our community can achieve when we unite for a common goal,” said Owensboro Chamber President and CEO Candance Brake. “We’re at our best when we speak with one voice.”
Echoing her sentiment, State Rep. Suzanne Miles highlighted the urgency of the healthcare shortage.
“We were having calls from nursing homes and healthcare facilities all needing help,” Miles said. “It became clear that we needed a dedicated space to train and develop healthcare talent. With support from legislators across the region, we moved forward with a shared vision.”
Miles also recognized community and state support that brought the vision to life.
“This was a collective effort, and it’s a testament to what’s possible when higher education and healthcare partners work hand-in-hand,” she added.
Bart Darrell, Chancellor of HealthForce Kentucky, outlined the center’s significance, explaining that it will provide the latest training tools for students across western Kentucky.
“We know how talented this region is, and we have a responsibility to equip students with cutting-edge skills,” Darrell said. “This building is an opportunity to learn in real-world environments, complete with high-tech simulations.”
Darrell also credited Brewco Marketing Group in Central City for designing, fabricating, and managing HealthForce Kentucky’s two mobile units, which allowed them to expand the initiative.
“The team at Brewco has truly felt like an extension of our own,” Darrell said. “Their support and expertise in designing and managing our mobile units have been invaluable, allowing us to expand HealthForce Kentucky’s reach and impact during this critical build-out phase.”
The facility includes several advanced learning spaces: five “OSCE” rooms, where standardized patients play roles to mimic real-world medical scenarios; a radiology suite; and a lab equipped to support the training of medical laboratory technicians. An immersive room, designed like a high-tech meteorology studio, allows students to interact with scenarios through touch-responsive walls, which could include quizzes or virtual patient care experiences.
Bruce Williams, Director of Simulation at HealthForce Kentucky, described the unique setup.
“This is a safe space for students to make mistakes, learn, and ultimately be better prepared for real-life situations,” he said. “We’re going to have a cadaver lab, 3D printing, and even a full operating room. This is not just education; it’s hands-on training.”
Dr. Scott Williams, President of Owensboro Community and Technical College, noted the regional impact of HealthForce Kentucky.
“From nursing to respiratory care, the facility is already attracting more students into healthcare fields, with a 6% increase in program enrollment this year,” he said.
Williams emphasized the cooperation among institutions and the critical role of early exposure to healthcare careers.
“Our post-secondary and secondary institutions have set aside individual needs to work together, showing an unprecedented level of collaboration,” he said. “This is a game-changer not just for our community but for healthcare across Kentucky.”
Owensboro Health President and CEO Mark Marsh credited community leaders and legislators with supporting the project during the pandemic.
“Our goal is to build healthcare professionals right here in our community,” Marsh said. “We’ve been given a chance to solve our own healthcare challenges.”
Board Chair Gavin Roberts underscored the facility’s importance for the local healthcare system and the region’s economy.
“This facility is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s a commitment to our community and a pipeline for developing the healthcare talent we need,” Roberts said. “We’re investing in the future of Owensboro and the entire region, creating opportunities for people to build meaningful careers right here at home.”
