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Health Foundation awards $4.5 million grant for UTEP Health

May 21, 2024

The Paso del Norte Health Foundation recently announced a $4.5 million matching grant to The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) to increase the number and quality of health occupations in the El Paso region.

The grant will support UTEP Health, a comprehensive initiative aimed at elevating the region’s healthcare standards. It encompasses more than 4,400 students in the College of Health Sciences, College of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, and other health professions, programs, and research.

The $4.5 million matching grant was awarded specifically to support UTEP Health as it works to increase the number of graduates in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and related health occupations.

“The region needs more graduates who are prepared to work in various healthcare settings. This $4.5 million matching grant focuses squarely on increasing the number and quality of graduates in critical health professions,” said Tracy J. Yellen, CEO of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation.

Texas faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly acute in El Paso and the surrounding region. By 2030, for example, West Texas is projected to have a deficit of over 5,000 nurses, representing an unmet demand of more than 30% and the most severe shortage of registered nurses in the state.

With the Health Foundation’s support, UTEP Health will expand the enrollment in critical health-related degree programs and upgrade labs and facilities.

“For every five doctors, there are 95 other healthcare professionals to take care of you and your family,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson. “UTEP Health will focus on meeting the need in our region for that 95 percent of healthcare professionals to a very high standard. We’re proud to join hands with the Paso del Norte Health Foundation to promote the health and well-being of our community.”

For more information on the Health Foundation’s awarded grants, click here.