Lake County Economic Development Corporation Secures Catalyst Award to Strengthen Regional Healthcare Workforce

The Lake County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC) is proud to announce its selection as a Catalyst Awardee through the Redwood Region RISE (Resilient Inclusive Sustainable Economy) initiative. With an investment of $650,000, LCEDC will advance the development of the Lake County Healthcare Education and Simulation Center – also known as the Health Education and Regional Training (HEART) Hub, a transformative project designed to address workforce shortages and elevate healthcare training opportunities in Lake County and the broader Redwood Region.

Driving Economic Growth Through Healthcare Innovation

“This award marks a significant step in our commitment to strengthening Lake County’s healthcare infrastructure and workforce development,” said Tim Stephens, CEO of Sutter Lakeside Hospital. “Through state-of-the-art simulation facilities, we are equipping future healthcare professionals with the hands-on skills needed to serve our communities, ensuring sustainable job growth and improved health outcomes.”

Investing in Regional Prosperity 

As part of the Catalyst Awards program, which allocates over $8.1 million in funding to support high-impact economic development projects, LCEDC’s initiative aligns with RRRISE’s 10-year Regional Roadmap. The awards prioritize projects that foster inclusive economic development, particularly in priority and disinvested communities, with over 70% of funding directed to such initiatives.

Industry Partners & Educational Collaborators

LCEDC is collaborating with leading industry partners and educational institutions to ensure the success and long-term sustainability of the HEART Hub. These partnerships provide essential expertise, resources, and curriculum development to enhance workforce training in Lake County.

• Sutter Health, Lake County Tribal Health Consortium, Adventist Health- Clearlake, Partnership Healthplan of California, Hospital Council of Northern and Central California – Clinical expertise and workforce development support
• Lake County Office of Education, Mendocino County Office of Education, Mendocino College, Woodland College, Mendocino Lake Adult and Career Education Consortium (MLACE), Lake and Mendocino Schools, Redwood Coast K16 Educational Collaborative, Sonoma State University– Healthcare curriculum design and simulation training
• Workforce Alliance of the North Bay – Career pathways and job placement initiatives
• Lake County Chamber of Commerce, County of Lake, MotherWise — Community and Government Support

By engaging with local healthcare providers, educational institutions, and workforce development leaders, LCEDC is ensuring that the center serves as a pipeline for well-trained professionals entering the healthcare industry.

The HEART Hub contributes to the roadmap’s focus on Health and Caregiving, reinforcing regional healthcare resilience and expanding career pathways for local workers. By offering advanced training programs and simulation-based learning, the project helps address critical workforce shortages while preparing healthcare professionals to meet the evolving needs of our community.

As part of this initiative, LCEDC and the HEART Hub partners remain committed to collaborating with local, state, and federal partners to secure further investment and amplify the long-term impact of this program. With implementation expected to begin in May 2025 and completion set for September 2026, LCEDC is eager to drive innovation, expand training opportunities, and position Lake County as a hub for healthcare education.