Healthcare's Future Takes Root in Alabama!

Get ready, folks! A new chapter for Alabama healthcare just began with the groundbreaking of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences (ASHS)! State and national bigwigs joined educators and local heroes to celebrate this milestone for education and workforce development in our very own West Alabama.

Governor Ivey's Enthusiasm

Governor Kay Ivey, a huge supporter of the school and its location in the Black Belt, gushed, "This school isn't just about buildings; it's about unlocking fresh potential for our young people and tackling healthcare needs head-on here in Alabama!"

Bloomberg's Big Boost

The groundbreaking took place on a 10-acre site next to Whitfield Regional Hospital, with Kate Herman of Bloomberg Philanthropies in attendance. Bloomberg Philanthropies is throwing a whopping $26.4 million at ASHS as part of their initiative to create healthcare-focused CTE high schools across the nation.

Howard Wolfson from Bloomberg Philanthropies said, "We're thrilled to back the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences' bold vision. By providing students with top-notch instruction and clear career pathways, ASHS will ensure the next generation of healthcare pros are ready to rock!"

A Local Legend Joins the Team!

In a surprise announcement, we learned that Demopolis native Dr. Selwyn Vickers (currently the head honcho at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York) will be a special advisor to ASHS and its Foundation!

Shaping the Future

ASHS President Dr. Jimmy Martin shared, "We're building opportunity for both young people and the future of healthcare in Alabama. Our goal is to help students find their purpose through service, connect learning to real-world careers, and strengthen our communities' health."

What's ASHS All About?

ASHS will be a residential campus, drawing students from all corners of Alabama. It's joining the ranks of other awesome state-supported specialty schools.

The school is scheduled to open its doors in August 2026 at a temporary location at the University of West Alabama, with the permanent Demopolis campus opening in August 2027. Students will dive into hands-on training, earn industry certifications, and gain direct access to higher education and healthcare careers. Whitfield Regional Hospital is ASHS’s main medical partner.

Exciting details about healthcare focus areas and curricula are coming soon, along with faculty and staff recruitment plans. Applications are already open, and school officials are hosting info sessions across the state.

Courtesy of 256 Today.