PETERSBURG 鈥� Vernon Johns Middle School eighth grader Jonathan Phillips already knows he鈥檚 interested in a career in physics. With his interest in science, he was especially happy to witness the unveiling of his school鈥檚 new medical-focused classroom on Wednesday, a space made possible through a unique partnership between a Virginia health care system, an education nonprofit and Petersburg Public Schools.

鈥淚t seems like a very interesting learning opportunity,鈥� he said.

Phillips was one of a handful of middle school students to attend a formal ribbon cutting for the classroom opening where they聽 were able to physically interact with various medical instruments and models. As he lingered near a model used for CPR practice, he noted how he鈥檇 taken a course and was excited at the prospect of 鈥渂rushing up鈥� on the life skill. Some other students expressed interest in phlebotamy, the specialty of drawing blood for testing or delivering intravenous medicines, while exploring the room.

Phillips said the classroom may stir up his classmates鈥� curiosity about working in medical fields.

鈥淚 think some other people might have their interest piqued,鈥� he said.

Petersburg superintendent Yolanda Brown said that the lab will be part of Vernon Johns Middle School鈥檚 鈥渃areer investigation鈥� courses, offering hands-on experience that will encourage students to further their studies in health care. The school also aims to include guest lecturers in the classroom from different healthcare specialties.

Next door, Petersburg High School,offers a curriculum for certified nursing assistant career paths, which students could explore and plan to pursue or that might inspire interest in other medical professions. As Virginia mirrors national trends in a of workers for critical health professions like various types of nurses and primary care providers, Petersburg鈥檚 new medical classroom can help inspire future professionals who could stem the tide.

鈥淲e thought that starting early, at least at middle school, introducing them to those careers, those tracks and what they might need for their ninth grade start of high school, would be a place to start,鈥� said Communities in Schools Petersburg president Wanda Stewart.

Stewart鈥檚 organization is part of a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting local schools and students around the country. Communities in Schools Petersburg facilitated conversations with HCA Virginia Health System and the school division that led to a $25,000 grant that helped set up the classroom.

鈥淲e are excited about our students being able to learn in a way that is a little different from just normal classroom settings,鈥� Stewart聽 said.

HCA awarded the grant to the school in order to inspire future health care workers, HCA associate vice president of academic affairs Yvette Dorsey explained at the unveiling.

A CPR training for students at Petersburg High added to the health-related learning Wednesday morning. The training stemmed from a collaboration between Petersburg schools, the local emergency services and health departments, and HCA.

With requiring public elementary and secondary schools to develop cardiac emergency response plans, the training was timely. The legislation was carried by Sen. Aaron Rouse, D-Virignia Beach, in this year鈥檚 General Assembly session and, after passing the legislature, was signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin March 24.

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社区黑料 and the Progressive Policy Institute this week convened for an online panel discussing career training lessons from Illinois. The speakers included associate superintendent Dr. Lazaro Lopez; Dr. Rita Gura, William Rainey Harper College dean of health careers; clinical nurse manager Susan Volpe; and Michael Piagari, a 12th grade student at Prospect High School.

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