The health insurer’s support will allow the charter school to introduce its first-ever Emergency Medical Technician program
May 26, 2017 (Smithfield) – Ten local high school students will complete a first-of-its-kind Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training program at the Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College Charter School (RINI), thanks to a $31,500 investment from Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (Neighborhood). The students, all of whom have expressed a desire to work in health care, are currently enrolled at RINI. Several of them had the chance to meet and thank Peter Marino, Neighborhood’s President and CEO, at a ceremony earlier this week at RINI’s Providence classrooms.
Many of the EMT students addressed the assembled crowd of their teachers and fellow students, telling Marino that Neighborhood’s financial support has allowed them to explore a health care path they hadn’t thought they would be able to experience.
“I can’t begin to show my appreciation for the gift that has been given to me over the past few months,” RINI senior Dwight Osborne told Marino. “But in the near future, the knowledge you have invested in me will save a life. That’s when everyone will see how important it is to have well-educated pre-hospital emergency care staff.”
“Neighborhood and the Rhode Island Nurses Institute want to support you and our community, and give you the tools you need to succeed,” Marino told the students. “We are making this investment in you – and we expect a lot out of you. We hope that you’ll take what you learn here and eventually work in the neighborhoods you know and love.”
As the first public charter school to focus on nursing and health care in the nation, the Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College focuses on preparing the state’s next generation of healthcare professionals. Students are able to take college-level courses and have the opportunity to pursue workforce certifications in health-care. However, the school could not afford to offer this EMT training until Neighborhood made its grant.
“We are so grateful to Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island for believing in our school’s mission, for investing in our program, and for supporting our students in meeting their career dreams and goals,” said Pamela McCue, RINI’s CEO. “Thanks to this EMT program, our students are able to fill high-demand jobs in our state as first responders. They can also contribute to the health of their communities, and gain valuable experience and income to pursue the next steps in their education for advanced nursing and health care provider roles.”
“Remember that health care is personal,” Marino told the students. “The kindness and compassion you bring to your work will make all the difference.”