Congressman Larson, NCCC Celebrate $350,000 in Federal Funding to Create New Nursing Program

February 17, 2010

For Immediate Release: February 17th 2010
Contact: Paul Mounds/ 860-278-8888

Winsted, CT- Today, U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) visited Northwestern Connecticut Community College (NCCC) in Winsted to announce $350,000 in federal funding he helped secure for the college's new nursing program. Joining Congressman Larson at the announcement was Dr. Marc Herzog, Chancellor of the Connecticut Community College System, President Barbara Douglass and Professor Barbara Berger both of whom from NCCC.

Connecticut will have the second worst nursing shortage in the nation by 2015, with the largest number occurring in the state occurring in Litchfield County. Northwestern Connecticut Community College will have the first accredited degree or diploma nursing program in the region. It is estimated Litchfield County's nursing vacancy rate is 14% annually, double the statewide average.

"This journey of creating the nursing program was truly a labor of love and devotion for President Douglass, Professor Berger, and the NCCC community," said Congressman Larson. "Community Colleges, all across our nation, are vital partners in supporting regional and community development. After speaking with President Douglass on the urgent need for this project in the region, economically and socially, I pledged I would do everything I could to help make this nursing program a reality."

Congressman Larson added, "Today's announcement will provide the training to future nurses and help close the pending nursing shortage facing the region and our state. I am certain, this federal funding and this nursing program will help systemically transform the economic and health care landscape of Litchfield County for the better."

Over the past two years, Congressman Larson and his staff met and worked with President Barbara Douglass on this initiative. In addition to the federal support, President Douglass and Professor Berger, with the help of private and public partners throughout Litchfield County, spearheaded a fundraising campaign effort to raise funds and community support to create the nursing program.

"Congressman Larson's keen interest and tangible support for a nursing program at NCCC have provided the impetus to move this program forward," said NCCC President Barbara Douglass. "With these crucial federal funds, NCCC plans to welcome its first nursing students in January 2011. Our college and the Northwest corner are deeply appreciative of Congressman Larson's efforts on our behalf."

The funding secured by Congressman Larson was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010, broad legislation that provides targeted investments to improve our economy and address pending health, educational, infrastructure needs within our communities. It was signed into law by President Obama on December 16th 2009.

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