Keokuk High School Receives $9,745 Grant for Health Program

Keokuk High School (KHS) in Iowa has been awarded a mini-grant of $9,745 to enhance its Health Occupations program. This funding will be used to purchase a Health Science Exploration Package, which includes various learning aids designed to enrich students’ understanding of healthcare professions. The program aims to foster empathy and awareness regarding the ailments faced by patients, particularly the elderly.

Quinn Palmer, the program director and advisor for the KHS HOSA-Future Health Professionals student chapter, emphasized the grant’s significance, stating, “This grant will help fund equipment that will increase empathy and awareness in the ailments of patients, especially the elderly. It will also increase student understanding of different health conditions, such as heart disease and concussions.”

Grant Presentation and Resources

The opportunity to receive the grant arose when KHS students Alayna King and Kendra Wrieden prepared a presentation for the mini-grant committee via Zoom. Their efforts were supported by Jessica Koehler, the director of KHS Career and Technical Education (CTE), Career & Connected Learning (CCL), and Work-Based Learning (WBL).

The Health Science Exploration Package, provided by Realityworks, consists of seven interactive learning tools. These resources will allow KHS students to participate in realistic simulations, giving them insight into the roles and challenges faced by healthcare professionals. The hands-on aids include:

• RealCare Geriatric Simulator
• Concussion Education Kit
• Wearable Auscultation Trainer
• Taping and Wrapping Skills Sim Kit
• Nursing Career Scenario Cards
• EMT Career Scenario Cards
• Sports Medicine Career Scenario Cards

Additionally, the package includes 29 hours of course content covering topics such as geriatrics, the impact of aging, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). This comprehensive curriculum aims to equip students with essential skills, including basic first aid, CPR, and knowledge of legalities in healthcare.

Pathway to Healthcare Careers

The KHS Health Occupations program serves as a vital pathway for students aspiring to enter health-related fields. It highlights various career options, including nursing, dental care, and respiratory therapy, all of which are part of a rapidly expanding job market. Students gain practical skills, such as operating an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and adhering to basic infection control practices.

Furthermore, those who complete the Basic Life Support class at KHS will receive certification through the American Heart Association in basic life support, AED usage, and first aid.

Palmer’s role as an advisor for HOSA-Future Health Professionals is pivotal. This organization aims to develop future leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and hands-on experience.

The Southeast Iowa Regional Career and Technical Educational Partnership (Regional Planning Partnership 16) includes Keokuk Community School District and several other districts in Southeast Iowa, fostering collaborative initiatives that enhance student learning opportunities.

The grant awarded to KHS not only supports educational advancements but also contributes to the development of a skilled workforce in the healthcare sector, ultimately benefiting the community at large.