As the world becomes more diverse, it will be increasingly important for individuals and organizations to be able to navigate in the health care system. A workforce that more closely mirrors the diversity of North County’s population will bring greater care access and improved quality of care.
Emphasis will be placed, first, on students in economic need who require assistance to complete their degrees or certification, allowing them to join the work force as nurses, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), pharmacists, clinical lab and surgical technologists, therapists, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, and cardiovascular technologists.
Second, the Fund will be used to train staff members in cultural competency and sensitivity, particularly those acting as preceptors and mentors to the students.
Third, the remainder of the funds will be used to purchase equipment for the Emergency Services and Work Partners programs in the hospital, such as cardiac monitors, EKG cables for the monitors, computer tablets, and gurneys.
By naming this important program for his parents, Harry Singh Jr. creates a legacy at Tri-City Medical Center to preserve and honor Harry and Oclides Singh Sr. in a lasting and meaningful tribute.
Arriving in the U.S. from India at a young age, Harry Singh Sr. possessed a natural gift for business and a personal drive to succeed. His ingenuity led to the acquisition of land in North County and the start of his own agriculture business.
Harry Singh & Sons has since become the largest single producer of vine-ripe tomatoes in the nation with over 1,000 acres under cultivation and 1,500 employees.
A lifelong resident of North County, Harry Jr. has been running the family-owned business since his father passed away in 1982.
Harry Jr. says that he inherited many traits from his father including his deep respect for the land and for the people who help him cultivate it. Nowhere is that more evident than when Harry Jr. built a $2.5 million farmworker housing complex in 1990. It had been his father’s dream.
By establishing this fund, actualized in part for nursing and allied health students at Tri-City Medical Center, Harry and Mercedes recognize the struggle that many residents have in North County to complete their education while raising and supporting their families.
They also recognize the shortage of qualified health professionals in these critical fields with vacancies harder to fill each year.
Article by North County Times. Photo by Louise Donahue, Staff Photographer |
