ACHF will administer the fund and award scholarships
A persistent work force shortage exists in our community for allied health professions, including for dental health and emergency medical service (EMS) professionals. A new scholarship fund was recently established by the Barbara Roastingear and Henry Oliver, III Family Foundation to help address this local need.
The fund was established at the Ashland Community Health Foundation (ACHF). The foundation will administer the fund and award scholarships, beginning with upcoming school terms.
Health care worker shortages in the area are linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, when many trained providers left the field. Dental health and EMS positions face some of the greatest shortages. Area workers who wish to pursue education and certification to fill these vacancies face costly tuition and fees, which is a barrier to beginning or completing studies.
The Barbara Roastingear Oliver Scholarship Fund will help students fund their education for dental health and emergency medical service professions when they intend to work locally. Harry Oliver and Barbara Roastingear created the fund with a $75,000 gift to ACHF.
Harry Oliver says one inspiration for his family’s gift was Barbara’s career as a dental hygienist. She was in the University of New Mexico’s 1st hygiene class in 1963. After being together for 43 years, Barbara passed away in 2023 after a brief illness. They had called upon Ashland EMS providers who were professional, dedicated, and caring. They were both grateful, wanted to give back to their community, and, together, made the decision to establish a Named Scholarship Fund with the Ashland Community Health Foundation.
For additional information about funds at ACHF, contact Executive Director, Stephanie Roland, at 541-482-0362 x2.
