This investment will provide upgraded equipment used to train health and public safety professionals to better diagnose and treat conditions caused by covid-19 and future pandemics

The Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration awarded Northwest Florida State College $605,550 under the Economic Adjustment Assistance program on August 12, 2021. The funding will provide upgraded equipment for training health and public safety professionals to better diagnose and treat conditions caused by COVID-19 and future pandemics. This project aims to meet growing industry demands for skilled healthcare workers by training professionals on industry-standard equipment. The Economic Adjustment Assistance program supports regions facing adverse economic changes through technical assistance and infrastructure projects. This award advances the regional economic development strategic plan developed by the Emerald Coast Regional Council to strengthen the regional economy and support private investment and job creation.

This project will help meet the growing healthcare industry demands for highly-skilled and qualified health care professionals who are trained on industry standard equipment. This project is funded through EDA's cares act appropriation. This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the emerald coast regional counci. EDA funds emerald coast regional counci to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.