Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Foundation Secures $200,000 Grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation to Boost Healthcare Workforce

Wilmington, NC – The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Foundation proudly announces a $200,000 grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation to advance the Regional Healthcare Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) initiative. This critical funding will enable a robust expansion of the regional healthcare employer collaborative, with the aim of strengthening the local healthcare talent pipeline. Over the next two years, the initiative will leverage data-driven insights to focus workforce investments and align efforts between local educators and healthcare workforce development partners.
 
Through this grant, the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in collaboration with Southeast Area Health Education Center (SEAHEC), the NC Center on the Workforce for Health, and the NC Chamber Foundation, will address the ongoing healthcare staffing crisis. 
 
This collaborative is made up of some of the top healthcare professionals from Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover and Pender counties. Lead representatives on this local collaborative include: 
 

• Chair, Dr. Umar Bowers, Dawson Med
• Vice Chair, Amy Akers, Novant Health 
• Kate Inman, Dosher Memorial Hospital
• Cheryl Andrison, Liberty Healthcare
• Tim King, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
• Alexis Hunter, Wilmington Health

 
“Our regional collaborative of the North Carolina Health Talent Alliance, led by our Chamber of Commerce and SEAHEC, is so thankful to have the partnership and support of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation in our endeavors to address critical pipeline issues in the field of healthcare,” Dr. Umar Bowers said. “The essential needs in healthcare begin with a robust and engaged workforce and we are committed to shaping that future with our employers, our educators and other stakeholders in our region.”
 
North Carolina is facing a projected shortfall of more than 17,000 nurses over the next decade, with the demand for registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nurse assistants (CNAs), and medical assistants (MAs) rapidly increasing. This investment marks a critical step forward in closing that gap.
 
Natalie English, President and CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, expressed the impact of this partnership, saying, “This grant isn’t just about filling open positions—it’s about reshaping our entire approach to healthcare workforce development. With support from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, we’re creating an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system by fostering long-term partnerships between educators and employers. Together, we’ll ensure that our community has the skilled professionals it needs to thrive.”
 
The TPM initiative is part of a statewide effort, with nine employer-led talent pipelines addressing healthcare workforce shortages across North Carolina. The success of this model lies in its collaborative, data-driven approach to tackling workforce challenges head-on.
 
“We’ve seen the Talent Pipeline Management strategy work wonders across other industries, and we’re excited to apply it to healthcare,” said English. “By aligning industry needs with education and workforce development, we can create a steady flow of talent that’s ready to meet the increasing demands of our healthcare providers. This grant is a game-changer for us and sets a new standard for how communities can solve workforce issues through collaboration.”