Supporting nurse workforce development in rural Illinois
As of 2024, 89 out of Illinois’s 102 counties fall under the classification of a “Health Professional Shortage Area” (HPSA). These are defined as regions where there are 3.5K or more patients for every one health care provider.1 With 89 counties classified as HPSAs, that equates to more than 3.5 million Illinois residents living in areas with significant provider shortages. These shortages result in longer wait times for care and significant provider burnout. To address these challenges, UnitedHealthcare has announced a $25K grant to the Illinois Nurse Foundation aimed at supporting nurse workforce development in rural Illinois. The goal of this initiative is to improve health outcomes and reduce nursing shortages in these regions, ensuring more accessible, timely and quality care for Illinois residents.
Illinois Nurse Foundation
The Illinois Nurse Foundation is a charitable organization committed to advancing the nursing profession through grants, scholarships, awards and educational initiatives.2 The foundation promotes public health by investing in the growth of nursing talent across the state.
UnitedHealthcare’s grant will fund ten $2.5K scholarships for nursing students, with a specific focus on strengthening the workforce in rural Illinois. Developing the rural nurse workforce is important for:
- Addressing health care shortages: Rural communities face significant provider shortages, which limit residents' access to essential health care services. By offering scholarships, the program aims to develop a larger pool of qualified nurses, directly alleviating the pressure on rural health care systems.
- Enhancing community health: Increasing the number of nurses in rural areas will improve the management of chronic health conditions, reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and enhance the quality of life for residents. A stronger nursing workforce can help residents better manage conditions like diabetes, heart disease and other prevalent issues in rural communities.3
- Supporting economic growth: Investing in nursing education boosts local economies by creating job opportunities and retaining talent within communities. A well-trained workforce ensures a resilient health care system capable of adapting to the evolving needs of rural populations.
Research shows that maintaining the health care workforce is fundamental to providing access to quality health care in rural areas.4 Investing in rural health care education has also been found to facilitate recruitment and retention efforts in rural areas, reducing workforce shortages and increasing diversity.5 UnitedHealthcare’s support for the Illinois Nurse Foundation improves long-term health outcomes and management of health conditions for rural Illinois residents.
