The OMC Foundation donated $31,000 to the Olympic Medical Center Pediatrics Clinic at the OMC Commissioners meeting on Nov. 20. The foundation announced it also received two major contributions to its scholarship program with $100,000 from George Brown, and $50,000 from Margery Whites.

OMC Foundation Executive Director Bruce Skinner recognized the donors and said the scholarships are designed to increase the number of healthcare workers in Clallam County, and to allow current OMC employees and others to further their education and pursue medical careers at Peninsula College and other institutions.

He also recognized 14 of the recently awarded scholarship recipients at the meeting.

“One of the biggest obstacles that current employees, adults who want to change careers, and students face when they want to enter or advance in the healthcare field is the cost,” Skinner said.

“We want to take that out of the equation. This is one of the most satisfying things that the Foundation has ever done.”

He said the foundation initiated this program with OMC to increase the potential employee pool that the medical center can draw from because growing the workforce is one of the most significant challenges facing the healthcare industry locally and nationally today.

With questions about a scholarship, call the OMC Foundation office at 360-417-7144.

Persons who are interested in more information or to make a donation to further enhance healthcare in the area can call the OMC Foundation office at 360-417-7144, or email bruce@omhf.org. Donations can also be mailed to “OMC Foundation, 1015 Georgiana St., Port Angeles, WA, 98362.