Big Stone Gap, VA – Mountain Empire Community College recently received a $30,000 gift from the Lonesome Pine Hospital Community Fund that will assist nursing students pay for fees associated with assessment and licensing preparation.
The gift will benefit two critical MECC student needs. $10,000 will be provided for Assessment Testing Institute fees for students in the registered nurse program. These fees pay for review sessions and programs taken by second-year students to identify how well prepared they are for their state licensure exam.
The remaining $20,000 will be used to help licensed practical nurse and registered nurse students pay for their licensure exam after they have graduated. To qualify for assistance, the graduate has to either work for Wellmont Health System already or been hired for a position in his or her field.
Misty White, a student in the licensed practical nurse program, said the support from the community fund will save her $370, a huge savings considering the other expenses she has to pay for her schooling. College administrators also welcome this donation.
“Mountain Empire Community College is fortunate to have great community partners that support our school and our students. The Lonesome Pine Hospital Community Fund gift is not only important to our college’s nursing program, but will be an invaluable resource for students who often struggle to meet the financial obligation of the program,” said MECC President Dr. Scott Hamilton.
Greg Neal, president of Wellmont Health System’s community hospital division, which includes Lonesome Pine Hospital, said these donations reflect the community fund’s unwavering interest in the communities it is privileged to serve.
“Lonesome Pine Hospital appreciates the opportunity to help people, whether it be through donations by the community fund or delivering lifesaving care to our family, friends and neighbors,” Neal said. “As one of the larger businesses in the region, we understand our need to be good corporate citizens and look for appropriate ways to support the region. The people in Wise County and surrounding communities have backed our hospital during its rich history, and we are proud to reciprocate with these donations.”
For more information about the community fund, please call Lonesome Pine Hospital at 276-523-1141. For more information on MECC’s Health and Industrial Science Program, call (275) 523-2400.