Liberty University (LU) is proud to announce a new affiliation agreement with Collaborative Health Partners (CHP), aimed at enhancing the healthcare workforce in the Greater Lynchburg and surrounding areas. This partnership facilitates student rotations in nursing, counseling, social work, behavioral health, athletic training, public health and primary care, providing invaluable hands-on experience while fostering a new generation of healthcare professionals.
Recognizing the critical need for qualified healthcare providers in our community, this collaboration is designed not only to strengthen our local workforce but also to encourage students to establish their careers in the region after graduation. By engaging students in practical, real-world settings, we hope to cultivate a strong sense of commitment to staying in and serving our community long after graduation.
“Our partnership with Liberty University reflects our ongoing dedication to improving patient access and quality of care for our patients,” said Shawn Crawford, CEO of CHP. “By nurturing the talents of students in key areas of healthcare, we are taking significant steps towards addressing the workforce challenges in our region. We see this partnership as an investment in our community's future.”
The agreement enables students to gain experience in various essential healthcare roles, working alongside experienced professionals in a supportive environment. This initiative not only benefits the students but also enhances the capacity of CHP and its sister companies, CVFP Medical Group and Walk-In-Care Immediate Cares, to serve the community effectively toward the collective goal of high-quality, cost-effective healthcare, with great patient experience.
“We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will create for our students,” said Chris Kennedy, J.D., Vice Provost of Health Professions at Liberty University. “This initiative reinforces our commitment to developing academic programs that not only produce skilled healthcare professionals but also those who can help meet the needs of our very own community,” said Dr. Scott Hicks, Provost and Chief Academic Officer.
As we embark on this journey together, we invite community members, healthcare professionals, and local organizations to join us in supporting the next generation of healthcare providers. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier future.