Representative Troy Announces $47,777 in New Equipment at the Willoughby- Eastlake School of Practical Nursing

COLUMBUS — State Representative Daniel Troy (D-Willowick) served as a member of the Ohio Controlling Board Monday and voted to approve $191,110 in Higher Education Improvement funds for the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) to purchase new equipment for two Northeastern Ohio Medical Education facilities.

Of this funding, $47,777 will be used for new nursing equipment at the Northern Career Institute (NCI), Willoughby-Eastlake School of Practical Nursing located in Eastlake. This equipment –which includes task trainers, manikins, and simulation lab technology– will expand the school’s existing Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program and increase student capacity in the program.  

This funding supports a larger initiative by the NCI Willoughby-Eastlake School of Practical Nursing to provide LPN training and certification to current healthcare staff. This upgrade helps address the growing demand for LPNs in Northeast Ohio’s medical facilities, while also supporting current staff members and providing greater opportunity for upward mobility in the profession. The school has also partnered with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation to hire additional faculty and staff, improve their classrooms and facility, and ensure sufficient clinical placement opportunities for their students.

“I was glad to participate this week in the process to release these needed funds to assist Willoughby-Eastlake Schools in its career training endeavors. Not only will this new equipment help prepare more local students for rewarding health care professions, but it will also help increase the availability of quality medical care for area citizens,” said Rep. Troy.

The remaining $143,333 awarded to NEOMED will fund new workforce training equipment for the Medical Design Innovation Center (MeDIC), located on NEOMED’s campus in Rootstown, Portage County. MeDIC provides advanced medical education and research opportunities for NEOMED master’s students and plays a key role in preparing the region’s future healthcare professionals and researchers.