Mercy Health Care Scrubs Camp -Introduces Area Youth to Careers in Health Care

Health Care Scrubs Camp Introduces Area Youth to Careers in Health Care

Mercy Health is committed to being a transforming, healing presence is our communities. But did you know that Mercy Health is also committed to introducing non-traditional students and minority youth to careers in health care?

One such initiative took place in July 2019, thanks to a partnership between Mercy Health and Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). JPMorgan Chase Foundation funded the 2019 Scrubs Camp, where 24 middle school and high school youth from across Kent County participated in a weeklong, hands-on exposure to the health care field.

During the visits to Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, students learned about careers in Radiology, Respiratory Therapy, Surgical Services and Sterile Processing.

“Colleagues from these departments shared stories of their own career journeys, as well as the education, credentials, skills and competencies needed for these professions. The participants also saw firsthand what a ‘typical’ day is like for health care workers, along with doing some hands-on activities,” said Kelly Wilczak, Mercy Health workforce program specialist.

Held at GRCC, Mercy Health Saint Mary’s and other employer sites, the students gave positive feedback about their experiences.

• “I am definitely more interested in Surgical Technology and Sterile Processing. I did not know much info about those programs beforehand.”
• “I learned that the Radiology Department has multiple avenues to choose from.”
• “I enjoyed learning about all the different health professions. It really opened my eyes to all the opportunities out there in the medical field.”

“The goal of the camps is to expose students to the wide range of careers available in health care, to introduce them to educational offerings in health care at GRCC,” said Julie Parks, executive director, Workforce training. “We want the students to feel comfortable coming here and to get an opportunity to meet individuals working in health care who may turn out to become mentors for them if they go into health care careers.”