CMH accepting applications for health care scholarships

Citizens Memorial Healthcare in Bolivar is accepting applications for the Medical Excellence Scholarship Fund. The scholarship program is designed to provide funding to area students who are interested in pursuing careers in the health care profession. Any resident of the CMH service area Cedar, Dade, Dallas, northern Greene, Hickory, Polk and southern St. Clair counties is eligible to apply for scholarships.

"For many years, CMH has been successful in recruiting quality employees, but as the pool of potential employees grows smaller because of greater demand, CMH must take a more proactive role in developing the personnel we need," said Donald J. Babb, CMH CEO and executive director, in a news release. "We began this process 13 years ago with the development of the Medical Excellence Scholarship Funds.

Babb said the fund has provided more than $650,000 in financial assistance to area students. Currently, CMH is providing scholarships to 30 nursing students, one certified athletic trainer, one medical technologist, two surgery technicians and six physicians.

Any student selected to receive financial assistance from the Medical Excellence Scholarship Fund must commit to work for CMH for a period of time that is based on the amount of financial assistance provided, and the time period ranges from two to five years.

According to Amy Mitchell, CMH Medical Excellence coordinator, the scholarship applications are due March 5 and they will be awarded by the Citizens Memorial Healthcare Foundation Board of Directors.

The selection process is based on scholastic achievements, aptitude, financial need and the available resources and professional needs of CMH. The scholarship program is available to students who are finishing high school, those currently enrolled in college and to adults who want to enter the health care profession or to advance their professional skills. Applications are available from the CMH human resources office, and they may be requested in writing to 1500 N. Oakland Ave., Bolivar 65613.