Demopolis reacts to healthcare high school legislative approval

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

State lawmakers approved one of Governor Kay Ivey’s top priorities last week. And now the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences — is on the way to Demopolis.

The governor proposed the idea for the school last year.

Whitfield Regional Hospital will teach — train — and provide experience — for students who attend the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences.

“We’re going to develop a great program,” said Whitfield CEO Douglas Brewer. “I have no doubts that this city will produce a great school and really take care of these kids as they come to Demopolis.”

The hospital already trains pre-med college students. And it’s that culture of training — along with all the services available at the hospital — that make it an ideal partner to help the state produce healthcare professionals.

“It’s a culture that you have to have to do teaching and training,” said Brewer.

“That is something that has just evolved here over time since UAB came in six years ago. We provide a lot of things in kind of a small package. So, you’re able to see it, how it all works together.”

“We already had phone calls from as far away as California and Pennsylvania asking, How’d y’all do this? What are y’all doing? How’s this work?” said Demopolis Mayor Woody Collins.

The city donated ten acres of land for the new school. It also pledged to demolish the building that currently sits on the property, and to clear the site.

Rob Pearson is the chairman of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences Foundation.

“The faith and confidence they have in us to be able to do what they’re trusting us to do was overwhelming really,” said Pearson.

“It’s like being drafted to the NBA. It was hard work to get drafted, but buddy if you’re gonna perform in the NBA, your work really is just beginning. So, we feel like we’ve made the NBA, now It’s time to prove our worth.

The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences — will be the fourth STEM school in the state — and the first located in a rural part of the state.