HEIP serves on the Steering Committee for the Bridging Distances Project directed by Carol Dombek of the Southwest Private Industry Council. The project works statewide with local workforce councils and nursing programs to provide nursing education opportunities in rural communities. Joan Kuemper of Minnesota West has assisted the project with developing remote offerings throughout southern Minnesota, and new programs have started in collaboration with Lake Superior College, Fond du Lac and Pine Technical; Fergus Falls Community College and Alexandria Technical College; and Hibbing Community College with Mesabi Range, Ely. Local healthcare providers provide extensive in-kind contributions.

The Governor’s Workforce Development Council, WorkForce Centers, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) are important partners for policy and funding of healthcare workforce initiatives. DEED has provided important financial support for nursing and allied health initiatives, through a grant to Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and through Minnesota Job Skills Partnership healthcare projects. Workforce Councils in St. Paul, Rochester, and Dakota County have partnered on important projects to integrate immigrants, refugees, and people leaving welfare into healthcare careers.