The Community Education Center (CEC) will be holding several classes and workshops throughout the month of February. Beyond the Calls: Using an iPhone Effectively will be offered on February 15th. Microsoft Excel, level 2 will take place on February 6th. Pitt Bradford is also offering Violent Workplace Emergencies: Active Shooter on February 23rd. The Northwest Industrial Resource Center will hold a course on Statistical Process Control on February 27th. All classes are held at the CEC in St. Marys. For more information and to register, contact the CEC at 814-781-3437 or go to www.communityedcenter.com 
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Leadership Elk-Cameron County attended Health and Human Service Session January 10, 2017  
 
The participants of Leadership Elk & Cameron recently attended their Health and Human Services Day.  The day started in the morning at Penn Highlands Elk with refreshments compliments of Penn Highlands Elk.  George Bojalad, Director of Human Resources, started the morning with a presentation on Human Resources at Penn-Highlands Elk.  Jen Grotzinger, Registered Radiology Technologist and PACS/systems support provided a tour of the newly remodeled imaging center and CT scanner. The CT scanner and 3D Mammography machines have the best technology in the area available to date.
The group then visited the St. Mary’s Ambulance Center. Bob Gnan, of the St. Mary’s Ambulance service gave an educational and informative talk about the St. Mary’s Ambulance Center. He discussed the requirements to be an EMT and paramedic, the annual Ambulance Membership Drive. The presentation concluded with a look at the ambulances and the state of the art equipment in each vehicle.  The next stop of the morning was a tour of Pinecrest Manor with the Administrator, Megan Bolden. The facility has recently received a 5 star rating. The last stop of the morning was an interactive lunch at PHE, sponsored by Dickinson Center. Kelly Schreiber Straub presented to the group through nutrition and diabetes.  Kelly also discussed the many programs provided by Penn Highlands on Nutrition and Diabetes. 
The participants travelled to the St. Mary’s Police department where Todd Caltagrone, Sheriff started with a presentation of Drug Problems in Rural Communities. Shawn McMahon, District Attorney educated the group about drug violations.  Chief Nicklas, Sgt. Pistner, Sgt. Shaffer, and Detective McManus, gave an interesting and eye-opening discussion on the drug problems that they are facing in the area and what is being done to combat this issue. Sgt. Shaffer and Nando demonstrated the amazing drug searching skills of K-9 officer Nando. Sheriff Caltagrone ended the day with an inspirational presentation on Leadership and the skills needed to be a leader.

PHE and CEC Host Healthcare Professional Networking Mixer
 
On December 19th, Penn Highlands Elk partnered with the Community Education Center’s (CEC) DISCOVER Partnership to offer a “Healthcare Professional Networking Mixer” for local college and high school senior students pursuing degrees in the healthcare field.  The evening began with a panel of Penn Highlands Professionals who discussed their specialty, career path, and education advice for the attendees.  The panel included areas of Nursing, Physician, Physician Assistant, Anesthetist, Pharmacist, Therapist, Radiologist, and Administrator. Several Panel members spoke highly of their love for working in the rural setting.  Many of them grew up in the area and wanted to return to take care of the people they know and love.  They stressed that you won’t find this in the big hospitals and it is a pleasure not only working with people you know, but taking care of people you know.  Dr. Tim Vollmer, Anesthetist and Pain Management, stated “We could have gone anywhere, but an opportunity to take care of people from your hometown is special.”  Job shadowing was another area that many panelists recommended.  Megan Bolden, Nursing Home Administrator at Pinecrest, stated that “Books don’t teach you an experience. Job Shadows are important.”  Students were also encouraged to find opportunities to work throughout their education and to not be afraid to ask questions.  Students learned of the opportunities at Penn Highlands Elk that includes Loan Forgiveness programs, sign on bonuses and summer job opportunities.  Following the discussions, students were given time to network with the panel of professionals.  Brad Chapman, President of Penn Highlands Elk was pleased with the turnout for the event and remarked “Thank you to all who help make the Healthcare Professional Networking Mixer a tremendous success.  It was great to see the energy and enthusiasm of our local college and high school seniors for the healthcare profession.  They are the future.” Many of the students and parents that attended found the evening to be very beneficial to their future careers.  A parent commented “It was very informative and my daughter is so happy that she went, as well as I am.  Those who did not attend missed an excellent program that Penn Highlands provided”. For more information on this and similar programs offered by the DISCOVER Partnership, contact the CEC at (814) 781-3437 or visit communityedcenter.com. For more information on careers at Penn Highlands Elk, visit www.phhealthcare.org or contact Curtis Weisner, Human Resources, at (814) 788-8000 or CJWeisner@phhealthcare.org.
 
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Photo attached:
Various healthcare professionals discuss their careers at Penn Highlands Elk with local college students and high school seniors.