Clinical Educator

Golden leaf awards Fayetteville State $500,000 for nursing expansion. Photo by Rama / Wikimedia Commons, Licensed under CC BY -SA 2.0. License Link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/fr/ FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Fayetteville State University has received $500,000 from the Golden LEAF Foundation to expand simulation training capacity at the Lloyd College of Health, Science and Technology School of Nursing, providing additional clinical learning resources as the university prepares for continued growth in the program. The Golden LEAF Board of Directors approved the award Aug. 6 through its Open Grants Program. Funding will support the purchase of high-fidelity simulation technology for an additional laboratory space, allowing nursing students to practice clinical decision-making, patient assessment, and treatment in realistic, controlled settings before working directly with patients. "The Golden LEAF Foundation has long understood that meaningful economic development starts with investing in the people and institutions that serve North Carolina communities," said Chancellor Darrell T. Allison. "We are grateful to President and Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton, Board Chair Brian Raynor and the entire board for their continued investment in our region. This partnership expands Fayetteville State University's ability to create pathways into critical professions while contributing to the long-term vitality of the communities we serve." "Access to a skilled healthcare workforce is essential to the long-term economic growth of North Carolina communities," said Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton. "Golden LEAF is proud to support Fayetteville State University as it expands high-quality nursing education and provides students with the hands-on training needed to enter this critical profession. This investment will help strengthen the pipeline of nurses prepared to meet employer demand in Southeastern North Carolina and other economically distressed areas of our state." The funding comes as FSU prepares to serve more nursing students. The North Carolina Board of Nursing recently approved the university to double its prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing enrollment capacity to 300 students, creating a corresponding need for additional clinical learning space and resources. "Simulation allows students to develop clinical judgment, communication and patient care skills in an environment where they can learn, practice and build confidence before providing hands-on care," said Christy Swinson, DNP, associate dean of the School of Nursing. "The Golden LEAF investment allows us to expand those learning opportunities while maintaining the quality and rigor of our nursing education." Beyond the classroom, the funding supports a workforce pipeline already responsive to local needs. Approximately 80% of FSU registered nursing graduates from the past three years remain in North Carolina, with roughly 70% living in some of the region's most economically distressed communities. Cape Fear Valley Health has hired 66 FSU nursing graduates over the past three and a half years alone. "This progress is a testament to the outstanding leadership of Dr. Christy Swinson and the exceptional work of our faculty and staff, whose dedication to student success continues to move Bronco Nursing forward," said Erin N. White, Ph.D., dean of the Lloyd College of Health, Science and Technology. "For us, expansion is not simply about enrolling more students; it is about graduating more highly prepared nurses, and we are deeply grateful for the investments in that vision."

Cape Fear Valley Health receives $1.6 million grant to support maternal and infant health. 5 hours ago FAYETTEVILLE, NC - Cape Fear Valley Health has received a $1.6 million grant from The Duke Endowment to support maternal and infant health initiatives across North Carolina and South Carolina. The multiyear Maternal Infant Health Carolinas initiative will focus on improving maternal and infant health outcomes, strengthening care coordination and advancing health equity. Cape Fear Valley Health will participate in H.E.A.R. (Healing, Equity, Advocacy and Respect) 4 Mamas and Babies, a text- and phone-based screening and referral program developed by the Medical University of South Carolina. The program is designed to identify medical, behavioral health and social needs during pregnancy and throughout the postpartum year. Participants can be connected with services addressing issues including maternal depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, chronic health conditions, intimate partner violence and social needs. The Duke Endowment selected Cape Fear Valley Health and four other health systems to form a regional network. Participants will receive training, technology support, evaluation resources and technical assistance through a center led by MUSC in collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Cape Fear Valley Health will also work with local health care providers, public health agencies and community organizations to connect families with medical, behavioral health and social support services. The health system plans to establish a community advisory board to provide feedback and help identify local resource gaps. Cape Fear Valley Health said the grant will help address maternal health challenges in Cumberland County, including disparities and preterm birth rates. The initiative is intended to develop long-term strategies for improving maternal and infant health outcomes and connecting families with support throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.