Gunnison Valley Health Foundation Funds Scholarships for Laboratory Staff

The Gunnison Valley Health Foundation recently announced the creation of two scholarships for current Gunnison Valley Health employees interested in becoming Medical Laboratory Technicians or Medical Technicians or Technologists. The scholarships are an opportunity to support the education and development of dedicated employees while supporting the day-to-day operations of the increasingly busy laboratory.  

Gunnison Valley Health Foundation Executive Director, Jenny Birnie, said that the Foundation’s board of directors is passionate about supporting the development of the health system’s employees. 

“We feel fortunate to have so many talented individuals working at Gunnison Valley Health and are thrilled to have the ability to support people’s growth and development,” Birnie said. 

The scholarships are the result of a funding request sent to the Foundation by Gunnison Valley Health Human Resources Director, Christina Lovelace. The proposal reflects the commitment of health system leadership to retaining and developing talent  as well as ensuring that we have the staff needed to provide services locally. 

“Our laboratory is a crucial component of healthcare in the Gunnison Valley,” Lovelace said. “As we look at creative ways to recruit and retain staff, these scholarships are one way we can support people already committed to Gunnison Valley Health. We want to be an employer of choice and provide opportunities for people to stay with us and progress in their careers.” 

The Gunnison Valley Health Foundation is working to improve the quality and breadth of healthcare in Gunnison County by developing, preserving and providing financial resources to Gunnison Valley Health. Led by Executive Director Jenny Birnie and a volunteer board of directors, the Foundation funds a wide variety of services and projects for the health system.  

“Thanks to the continuing generosity of our donors, the Foundation has funded so many different initiatives including behavioral health services, access to doula services and our Seconds Save Lives campaign in support of our local EMS service,” Birnie said. 

To learn more about the Gunnison Valley Health Foundation, visit www.gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/foundation.