CLEVELAND, Oct. 10, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In an effort to help strengthen the future workforce in Northeast Ohio and beyond, The Center for Health Affairs recently developed prep2practice™, an online tool that works with businesses and schools to match high school students to real-life experiences in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, IT, engineering, construction, creative industries and more.

“This easy-to-use system provides a centralized online location for students, schools and businesses to work together to create and coordinate prep2practice experiences,” said Patricia Cirillo, PhD, vice president of initiatives and analytics, The Center for Health Affairs. “This type of collaboration is what we need to help communities build a strong future workforce.”

prep2practice allows…

  • Students to discover the possibilities of their future through real-life experiences.
  • Schools to make connections with local businesses to help their students find a future career.
  • Businesses to discover their future workforce by expanding their reach.

prep2practice experiences are being created now and will be available this fall. If you are a student, school or business interested in prep2practice, contact us today.

With a rich history as the Northeast Ohio hospital association, dating back to 1916, The Center for Health Affairs serves as the collective voice of hospitals and the source for Northeast Ohio hospital and healthcare information. As the leading advocate for Northeast Ohio hospitals, The Center aims to enhance the effectiveness of the healthcare community and the health of the communities it serves by providing expertise, resources and solutions to address the challenges faced by the region’s healthcare providers. The Center’s efforts focus on areas that benefit member hospitals from a regional approach, including healthcare workforce; emergency preparedness; public policy and advocacy; finance and reimbursement; and community initiatives. And because of its business affiliation with CHAMPS Healthcare, The Center has the resources to provide a broad level of professional services to its members. The Center, located in downtown Cleveland, is proud to advocate on behalf of 34 acute-care hospitals and two long-term acute-care hospitals in six counties. The Center for Health Affairs is honored to be named as one of The Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Top Workplaces in 2014 and 2015, as well as to ERC’s NorthCoast99 List in 2003, 2004, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016. For more, visit neohospitals.org. 2016 marks 100 years of hospital advocacy and partnerships for The Center for Health Affairs and CHAMPS Healthcare. The centennial anniversary includes a community gift, commemorative timeline and celebratory event. To learn more visit neohospitals100.com.

CONTACT: Deanna Moore
         216.255.3614