BRIEF

Feb 24, 2010 — The Pantagraph

Feb. 24, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- NORMAL --The Economic Development Council of the Bloomington-Normal Area has received a $161,700 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

"The purpose of this funding is to improve workforce development efforts in the healthcare sector and to promote collaborative efforts between hospitals, long-term care facilities, universities and community colleges," said Therese McMahon, deputy director of the Office of Workforce Development at DCEO.

This grant was awarded to the EDC to enhance healthcare workforce development within Central Illinois, including Bloomington-Normal, Springfield, Peoria and surrounding areas. The long-range goal is the creation of a regional collaborative structure.

The funding allowed the EDC to hire Cheryl Harvey as its regional healthcare workforce associate. Her duties include promoting group facilitation and regional collaboration to address identified needs.

Harvey previously served as program director and case manager for a mental health outreach coalition. She also has experience as an adjunct professor at Gavilan Community College, Gilroy, Calif. She has also served as a counselor in an adult residential mental health facility.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0166-42315219