Photos for Headline Surfer / TOP: The larger group affiliated with the Halifax Health – Foundation is shown. BELOW: Shown from left to right: John Guthrie, current vice president & executive director of the Halifax Health – Foundation; Kim Fulcher, vice president of human resources at Halifax Health; and Barbara Petrock & Joe Petrock, the latter, executive director emeritus of the Halifax Health – Foundation.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Halifax Health Foundation announces the launch of a new career initiative: The Elevate Education Fund, established by longtime Halifax Health supporters Joe and Barbara Petrock.
The fund was unveiled at the 51st annual Daytona International Speedway Pro-Am Golf Classic, benefitting the Halifax Health Betty Jane France Center for Women and Children.
“As our community continues to grow, so does the demand for dedicated and well-trained healthcare professionals,” said Joe Petrock, executive director emeritus of Halifax Health - Foundation. “Barbara and I are proud to make this legacy gift to inspire others to invest in our youth and ensure Halifax Health remains home to world-class care for generations to come.”
The fund was unveiled at the 51st annual Daytona International Speedway Pro-Am Golf Classic, benefitting the Halifax Health Betty Jane France Center for Women and Children.
“As our community continues to grow, so does the demand for dedicated and well-trained healthcare professionals,” said Joe Petrock, executive director emeritus of Halifax Health - Foundation. “Barbara and I are proud to make this legacy gift to inspire others to invest in our youth and ensure Halifax Health remains home to world-class care for generations to come.”
According to national and regional labor data, the need for healthcare workers is expected to increase by more than 6 percent. Specific roles, such as surgical technologists, X-ray technologists, certified nursing assistants, and other allied health professionals, will face 20 percent or more shortages in the coming years.
Joe Petrock said that the Elevate Education Fund is designed to address this challenge directly. It will:
• Provide local youth with career exposure opportunities in healthcare;
• Offer access to the Education to Employment program at Halifax Health;
• Fund scholarships for training in high-demand roles;
• Pair participants with professional mentors to support them from the classroom to the career.
This fund represents more than dollars: It’s a long-term investment in people,” said Kim Fulcher, vice president & chief human resources officer at Halifax Health. “We are not just filling jobs. We are building careers, empowering local students, and ensuring our patients have access to compassionate, skilled caregivers for years to come. The Halifax Health Foundation is proud to lead this mission.”
The Elevate Education Fund is now open to matching contributions from individuals, families, and businesses who wish to support the next generation of healthcare professionals in Volusia County and beyond.
For more information or to contribute to the fund, don't hesitate to contact the Halifax Health Foundation at foundation@halifax.org or visit halifaxhealth.org/foundation.
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