Sierra Healthcare Industry Partnership

Newsletter

Where Workforce Meets Wellness

Welcome to the first edition of the Sierra Healthcare Industry Partnership Newsletter!

Through this quarterly update, we’ll share stories, insights, and opportunities that are shaping the future of healthcare across the Sierra region. From highlights of recent SHIP convenings and campus collaborations to updates, this newsletter celebrates the progress being made to strengthen our rural healthcare workforce.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected healthcare ecosystem for the Sierra region.

SHIP Sets Sail:

A Strong Launch at Two Regional Conferences

The Sierra Healthcare Industry Partnership (SHIP) officially launched on August 1, 2025 at Chicken Ranch Casino Resort in Tuolumne County. The event was co-hosted by Dr. Jennifer Burrows and the Mother Lode Job Training.

The convening brought together healthcare leaders, educators, workforce partners, and public agencies from across the Sierra region to align around a shared vision for a resilient regional healthcare workforce.

The day opened with remarks from Tyler Newton of Adventist Health Sonora, who helped frame SHIP’s goals and the broader objectives of the Sierra Jobs First initiative. A keynote from Paul Lanning of HealthForce Partners highlighted community-based models for building equitable healthcare pipelines, followed by a presentation on tribal health equity led by John Alexander and John Vass. The plenary panel, “Education as the Frontline,” featured regional education and workforce leaders from Columbia College, Mammoth Unified School District, SUHSD, and local healthcare systems, discussing how to strengthen healthcare career pathways, expand clinical training opportunities, and remove barriers to access.

Collaborative panel with leaders from Toiyabe Indian Health, Mammoth Hospital, and Northern Inyo Hospital.

Paul Lanning connecting with healthcare partners at the first SHIP Conference in Jamestown.

On September 11, 2025, Dr. Jennifer Burrows and Motherlode Job Training co-hosted the second annual SHIP Conference in Mammoth Lakes. This event focused on addressing the critical behavioral health workforce needs across the Sierra region.

The conference brought together healthcare leaders, educators, and workforce partners for a day of meaningful dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. Discussions centered on strategies to expand training opportunities, recruit new professionals, and retain the existing behavioral health workforce.

Highlights included a panel of behavioral health specialists and another featuring executive leaders from Toiyabe Indian Health, Mammoth Hospital, and Northern Inyo Hospital, who shared insights into regional challenges and innovative local solutions. Key presentations were delivered by Paul Lanning of HealthForce Partners and John Vass of the Mathiesen Memorial Health Clinic, both offering state and national perspectives on workforce development and collaboration.

Together, this diverse group of stakeholders engaged in a thoughtful and forward-looking dialogue, identifying actionable strategies to strengthen the behavioral health workforce pipeline and ensure sustainable access to care across the Sierra region.

These events set a strong foundation for SHIP’s work ahead by uniting partners to strengthen healthcare access, education, and opportunity across the Sierra.

Full Steam Ahead: Staying Connected with SHIP

While we look forward to gathering again in person for the 2026 SHIP Conference, partners can continue collaborating through virtual Healthcare Workgroup meetings throughout the winter, when travel across the Sierra is limited. The next virtual workgroup meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 14 — follow the Zoom link here to join and add the session to your calendar. We’ll share more details about the upcoming agenda and speakers in the months ahead.

If you know colleagues, partners, or healthcare professionals who might be interested in shaping the future of healthcare in the Sierra, please share this newsletter with them. The more voices at the table, the stronger our regional impact. If you had this newsletter forwarded to you, you can stay in the loop by joining the SHIP Outreach List List to receive updates, meeting invites, and regional healthcare news straight to your inbox.

Expanding EMS Access & Talent in the Sierra

Hybrid EMS Training Project Progress Update Beyond Limits Education (BLE) is proud to share strong early progress on the Catalyst-funded Hybrid EMS Training Program. Launched earlier this year with support from Sierra Jobs First, the initiative has already awarded 21 scholarships—empowering ski patrollers, search and rescue volunteers, firefighters, and aspiring EMTs to access high-quality EMS training. These scholarships are creating new career pathways while strengthening emergency response capacity in rural and underserved Sierra communities.

The hybrid training model is advancing rapidly. BLE has completed 70 of 100 EMS skills training scripts, forming the backbone of an engaging online curriculum that blends flexibility with hands-on learning. Key regional partners—REMSA Health and Reno Fire Department—are contributing equipment, volunteers, and indoor filming space, reflecting strong regional collaboration.

BLE is also investing in the future of EMS instruction. To date, grant funding has supported the development of two Sierra-based instructors, with additional mentorship and training opportunities planned to build long-term capacity and sustainability across the region’s EMS training ecosystem.

Partnerships, Outreach & What’s Ahead In September

BLE presented at the Sierra Industry Shindig and joined the Sierra Healthcare Industry Partnership (SHIP) meeting, sparking important cross-sector conversations around EMS workforce development. The coming months will focus on finalizing the video training library, expanding instructor mentorship, and continuing scholarship outreach.

With a goal of training 150 new EMS professionals by 2028, this project is a strategic investment in healthcare access, workforce equity, and economic resilience throughout the Sierra region.

2026 Public Enrollment Course Dates (Mammoth Lakes, CA)

· April 10–11 – Hybrid Wilderness First Responder Recertification

· April 12–16 – Hybrid Wilderness First Responder

· June 7–8 – Wilderness First Aid (Fundraiser course for Eastern Sierra Conservation Corps – supporting sustainable recreation)

· October 1–5 – Hybrid Wilderness First Responder

· October 11–12 – Hybrid Wilderness First Responder Recertification

· October 17–19 – EMT Refresher Learn more or get involved: beyondlimitsedu.com

Public Health in Action:
Flu Vaccine Clinics Across the Sierra

Flu season is upon us and regional Public Health agencies are working hard to make sure everyone is up-to-date on their latest flu vaccines. Find more info about flu vaccines in your county by clicking below!