MANHATTAN, KS – July 24, 2025 – The Manhattan Community Health Foundation (MCHF) today announced an $85,000 investment aimed at strengthening the local healthcare workforce. This strategic funding supports a collaborative initiative developed by Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC), the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation (GMCF), and the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC). The primary focus of such collaboration is to bolster support for MATC faculty who educate future nurses.
This strategic alliance underscores the named organizations’ commitment to ensuring a strong and sustainable healthcare system for the Manhattan community and the surrounding region. By investing in the education and training of future healthcare professionals, MCHF aims to address critical workforce needs and enhance the quality of care available locally.
This collaborative effort will:
- Expand the number of seats available for interested students to enroll in healthcare programs at MATC.
- Increase access to healthcare education by offering the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Manhattan High School.
- Recruit and retain qualified teaching faculty to meet the growing student demand.
- Improve the overall healthcare workforce in Manhattan and surrounding communities.
The initiative will directly benefit students pursuing careers in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), and Registered Nurse (RN) programs at MATC. Furthermore, it will benefit local employers who hire these skilled graduates and, most importantly, the patients who receive care from them.
“The Manhattan Community Health Foundation is committed to building and supporting the local healthcare workforce,” said Andy Ellis, Board Chair of the Manhattan Community Health Foundation. “We believe that by working together with MATC, GMCF, and MACC, the Foundation can make a significant difference in the lives of aspiring healthcare professionals and ultimately strengthen the health and well-being of the Manhattan community.”
“This partnership with the Manhattan Community Health Foundation will provide invaluable support to our students, enabling them to access high-quality education and training that will prepare them for successful careers in the healthcare field,” stated Dr. James Genandt, President of MATC. “We are incredibly grateful for the Foundation’s vision and commitment to our students and the future of healthcare in our region, which directly helps us meet the growing demand for skilled professionals.”
The investment in MATC is in addition to the $10,000 pre-professional scholarships that the MCHF provided to future healthcare professionals as well as the scholarships to current hospital associates. In the last three years, the Foundation has funded ten pre-professional scholarships and nearly 100 scholarships to current healthcare professionals.
About Manhattan Community Health Foundation
The Manhattan Community Health Foundation believes everyone deserves quality healthcare. As a catalyst for a healthier Manhattan, we improve lives by investing in innovative solutions, building strong partnerships, and championing equitable healthcare access for all community members, regardless of background or income. Visit healthymhk.org to learn more.
Contact:
Chris Spooner, Foundation Director
Manhattan Community Health Foundation
785-587-5462