HealthForce Kentucky – a collaboration of local healthcare and education institutions – is expanding its training capabilities by adding a second mobile technology center. HealthForce 2 is a custom 53-foot double expandable trailer designed to meet the region’s growing demand for hands-on healthcare training.
“We expected that the demand for HealthForce 1 would be high, so we knew a second vehicle would be needed,” said Chancellor Bart Darrell. “This was part of our plan from the beginning.”
HealthForce 1 is a mobile technology center that brings simulation labs, classrooms, and a medical lab to every corner of the 16-county service area. Schools can schedule mobile instruction at HealthForce 1 without concern for acquiring transportation funds.
HealthForce 2 is tailored for small group work and instructional activities. Unlike its predecessor, it does not have an immersion room but is more adaptable for hands-on learning sessions.
“We needed more coverage, and this new vehicle provides that,” Darrell said.
In addition to the new vehicle, HealthForce Kentucky is making progress on a new training facility that will cover approximately 35,000 square feet and feature high-tech healthcare simulation and training areas.
“The engineering and architectural work is nearly done, and we’re close to hiring a construction manager,” Darrell said. “We’ll have immersion rooms double the size of those in HealthForce 1, numerous skills rooms, and a real medical lab. We’ll offer therapy, radiography, and much more high-tech health care simulation and training.”
Darrell attributed the project’s growth and momentum to the talent and commitment of the local community.
“This has made Owensboro the ideal location to make these high-tech and innovative initiatives really come to life,” he said.
The organization partnered with Brewco Marketing Group in Central City to design and fabricate the two 1,100-square-foot mobile units.
Dr. Scott Williams, President of Owensboro Community and Technical College, shared his excitement about the new addition, echoing Darrell’s sentiment.
“Since we put HealthForce 1 into commission almost a year ago, the demand has far exceeded our expectations,” Williams said. “As a result, we are so excited to get HealthForce 2 in commission moving forward. This is really a big day, a banner day to get this mobile unit operational.”
Williams highlighted the differences between the two vehicles.
“We learned from the first one. HealthForce 2 has been set up to add more flexibility so it can be used in multiple ways, not just for classroom instruction but also to accommodate bigger groups,” he said. “From a training perspective, we can set this up for innovative, cutting-edge simulations, much better than we could with HealthForce 1.”
The expansion reflects HealthForce Kentucky’s commitment to providing top-notch healthcare training and meeting the community’s needs. Click here to learn more about the organization’s initiatives.
