A Commentary and Call to Action for Inclusive Workforce Development

I have the privilege of serving as the Director for the Washington State Allied Health Center of Excellence; one of 12 Centers of Excellence (each representing a different "driver " industry) devoted to addressing the workforce needs of the State. The Center provides statewide leadership in workforce education and training within the health care sector: Allied Health-Nursing-Behavioral Health-Health Sciences. We serve as a state-wide hub, connecting with the state's community and technology college system as well as health care industry. Our Center serves as the point of contact and resource for industry trends, best practices, innovative curriculum, and professional development activities. The Center works to maximize resources by bringing together workforce education and industry partners to develop highly skilled, work ready graduates. The Center of Excellence system in Washington State is an important workforce development innovation. In this commentary I am excited to share some of our work in the health care sector. Public Significance Statement In this commentary, I will share some of the innovations I have seen in health workforce development and provide a specific call to action to the academic, clinical training, and health care industry ecosystemcommunity.