April 30, 2007

For Immediate Release

(Lake Oswego, OR) The Oregon Healthcare Workforce Institute (OHWI) launches its website today at www.oregonhwi.org as part of its commitment to become a comprehensive resource on the state’s healthcare workforce. Website features include information on the Oregon legislative session and testimony, workforce efforts, reports and surveys, and funding opportunities. The website also provides links to career information, educational institutions and workforce organizations.

David Goldberg, OHWI Executive Director, states that OHWI intends to be a resource for students seeking information on health careers, for educational institutions interested in program expansion, and for policy makers researching workforce efforts across Oregon. “The OHWI website is designed to highlight the best of Oregon and be the primary locus of information on healthcare occupations,” said Goldberg.

Due mainly to the growth and aging of our population, Oregon faces the need for an estimated 59,000 additional healthcare workers by 2014. OHWI exists to coordinate and advance a statewide response to this workforce shortage. Developing out of an initiative from the Governor’s office and sustained by healthcare professionals from the public and private sectors, OHWI’s focus includes accurate supply and demand data, educational program and clinical expansion, development of public policy, and connection of interested parties for problem solving, funding and information sharing.

4000 Kruse Way Place, Bldg. 2, Suite 210, Lake Oswego, OR 97035 David Goldberg, Executive Director: davidg@oregonhwi.org Jennifer Swendsen, Program Manager: jennifers@oregonhwi.org 

Note to Media: For interviews with David Goldberg, OHWI Executive Director, please contact Jennifer Swendsen at 503-479-6012.