The Presbyterian Health Foundation (PHF) recently awarded $40,000 in grant funds to the Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) Foundation. The funds are designated for student scholarships and faculty professional development in the college’s anesthesia technology program. OCCC formally recognized PHF at the Board of Regents meeting Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.

“With one of the first programs leading to national certification in anesthesia technology, OCCC is leading the way in a rapidly growing allied healthcare profession,†says Professor Nancy Sweet-Fitzgibbon, the director of OCCC’s anesthesia technology program. “Our partnership with Presbyterian Health Foundation provides critical opportunities for students and faculty. We are excited to welcome our first cohort of students to campus.â€

OCCC is the only institution in the state of Oklahoma offering the associate in applied science degree, working closely in collaboration with The University of Oklahoma and the OU Health Sciences Center. $30,000 of the grant funds will go directly toward student scholarships and $10,000 will support professional development for the program’s faculty members over the next year.

“OCCC’s pioneering anesthesia technology program is addressing a health service need impacting us all,†said Tom R. Gray, III, President of Presbyterian Health Foundation. “We are proud to support this program, a first of its kind in Oklahoma, seeking to fill a gap in allied healthcare services, and providing advancement opportunities for existing and aspiring anesthesiology health professionals.â€

“Our anesthesia technology program will allow students to possess the skills and talents needed to immediately join the workforce in cutting-edge health careers that demand skilled, trained workers,†says OCCC President Jerry Steward. “Organizations like the Presbyterian Health Foundation represent an investment in Oklahoma workforce development to positively improve the state’s long-term economic and health outcomes, and we are thankful for their generous support.â€

For more information about the OCCC Anesthesia Technology program or to apply, visit https://www.occc.edu/health/anesthesiatech.html.

About the Presbyterian Health Foundation

Presbyterian Health Foundation (phfokc.com) is a private Oklahoma City-based foundation dedicated to accelerating lifesaving scientific research from ideas to medical innovations. Since 1985, PHF has granted over $165 million to biotechnology and medical research organizations in Oklahoma with an emphasis on the Oklahoma Health Center.

About Oklahoma City Community College

OCCC enrolls more than 20,000 students and has more than 90,000 participants in its various community programs annually. The college is currently the largest adult basic education provider in the state. OCCC offers a full range of associate degree programs that prepare students to transfer to baccalaureate institutions while other degree and certificate programs prepare students for immediate employment. At OCCC, students receive a quality education with small class sizes, dedicated professors and leadership opportunities. Students can choose from more than 80 major fields of study and participate in any of the 40+ clubs and organizations. For more information about OCCC, visit www.occc.edu.