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ValleyCare Health System Community Benefit Report FY 2005-2006 was the most important factor in starting a company in the Tri-Valley region. Seventy- one percent (71%) of the companies attending the Focus Groups pointed to quality of life as essential to their future success.' Having quality healthcare programs available will help meet the community needs. ValleyCare has taken a proactive focus to meet these needs as they arise and grow. This is seen in particular through the following ValleyCare efforts: • Nursing School Collaborative with Local Colleges • Addition of Physician Specialties based on community need • Cardiovascular Surgery Program • Opening of a Simulation Lab • Formation of a Comprehensive Regional Cancer Center • Digital mammography and Bone Density Centers • Addressing the Healthcare Needs in the Local Schools MEETING THE NURSING SHORTAGE CRISIS -COLLABORATIVE NURSING SCHOOL WITH LOCAL COLLEGES According to a recent study conducted by the University of California -San Francisco (UCSF), most regions of California face a growing shortage of nurses that could reach 90,000 vacancies by 2030. The growing population and increased healthcare utilization by baby boomers entering retirement are increasing the need for more RNs.' Based on data from the California Bureau of Registered Nurses, the total number of RNs with active licenses was 254,945 as of April 2005. For the 2005 academic year, nursing schools turned out 6,598 nursing graduates. Results of the study indicate that doubling the output of nursing schools is the only viable long-term solution.2 Several years ago, ValleyCare Health System combined forces with two local colleges (Chabot College and Las Positas College) to help alleviate a nursing shortage. ValleyCare partnered with the two local colleges to open a Nursing School on the Livermore ValleyCare campus (Mertes-Felt Chabot College Las Positas College ValleyCare Educafion Center -Nursing School). This unique partnership is an innovative alternative to the nursing problems. The school not only assures professionally trained nurses in the Tri-Valley but also enhances the economic development of our community by keeping resources and dollars local. In the academic year beginning 2006, the number of students has doubled to 20. Although the school is not funded solely on endowments, grants were awarded to ValleyCare in fiscal year 2006 for the Nursing School. ' The Tri-Valley Innovation Network Report, 10!3!2006 z California HealthFax, 9/1 112 0 06. Results quoted from Joanne Spetz, UCSF researcher. 10