Parkside, Inc.

PROJECT PURPOSE

Parkside seeks funding to invest in the lives of six Oklahoma LPNs to become Registered Nurses (RNs) and work in the field of mental health. Grant funds will be utilized towards tuition, educational materials, uniforms, and tutoring costs. Investment in an RN education will change an individual?s financial health, development, and resilience while changing the lives of those around them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an RN?s medium annual wage is $75,330, or $36.22 per hour. All candidates are welcome to apply, but Parkside?s preference will be to boost racial and ethnic minorities as we seek ways to make our RN population more diverse and equitable as a hospital and a community. An RN degree at Tulsa Community College typically takes four semesters (including pre-requisites) to complete, and grant funding will be fully spent by the end of 2026.

EVIDENCE

Oklahoma has faced a healthcare worker shortage for decades, and the pandemic has only exacerbated the problem. According to a recent Office of Workforce Development Report, Oklahoma has about 700 RNs and LPNs per one hundred thousand people (39% below the national average of 1,150). Mental healthcare treatment for an individual elevates productivity and employability, increases physical and mental health, and brings families together. As a community benefit, it decreases crime and reduces recidivism. Most importantly, it saves lives and will significantly benefit the health and well-being of Oklahoma citizens.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

A solid behavioral healthcare workforce of nurses will provide stability to our organization and, most importantly, support for the patients that we serve. Over a year after the onset of COVID-19, information is now available detailing how the pandemic has impacted behavioral health across the country and locally. According to a 2020 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the proportion of mental health-related emergency department visits among adolescents aged 12-17 increased 31% compared to the previous year. Added to this fact is that more than 25% of high school students reported worsening emotional and cognitive health. Also, 67% of high school students said that they were unable to cope with their sources of stress, which included strained mental health and peer relationships. Private insurance data also shows that while all health care claims for adolescents ages 13-18 were down in 2020 compared to 2019, mental health-related claims for this age group increased sharply. Oklahoma ranks #8 in state suicide rates (20.5 suicides per 100,000 individuals). In addition, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24 in Oklahoma ? only car accidents kill more young men and women in our state.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Parkside?s Director of Nursing will oversee the program and track each aspiring RN?s progress. Candidates of the program will be required to update the Director of Nursing on weekly class attendance and proof of passing exams. Tutors will be made available upon request. Participants in the RN program will sign a written agreement beforehand to complete the program. Those who fail to address check-in procedures repeatedly, drop out, or do not pass the requisite classes will be responsible for paying back the classroom costs. Metrics of success are earned educational credits and eventually an RN degree.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding