Nursing Program for Youth

I applaud Southern California Edison for its $35 million commitment in providing a job training center for the good people of southeast Los Angeles (editorial, “Edison Lights the Way After the Riots,” June 7).

St. Francis Medical Center of Lynwood also has made a difference for, and commitment to the youth of our community ever since 1988 with the establishment of the Lynwood High School/St. Francis Medical Center licensed vocational nurse training program. This most important program trains local and minority high school students of our area to become licensed vocational nurses and provides professional career opportunities where none existed before.

Students, boys and girls alike, can then begin challenging and rewarding careers in health care. Many of them begin their career right here at St. Francis Medical Center.

The program is a joint effort of the not-for-profit, public and private sectors of the community--namely, St. Francis Medical Center, the Lynwood Unified School District and the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation. There is no cost to the student. Uniforms, books, educational material, equipment and facilities are provided by St. Francis; the Lynwood Unified School District manages and provides the qualified nurse instructor. The Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Health Services Education Center, located on the St. Francis Medical Center campus, includes a learning laboratory, health services library, study halls, study lounge, computer learning center and program administrative suites.

Because of the program’s success, St. Francis is expanding its outreach from Lynwood to include qualified students from additional neighboring communities. A joint program with the Los Angeles Unified School District and Compton School District will be implemented soon.

With ongoing community and school district support, St. Francis hopes to graduate more students from the program in the years to come, and continue to help the students fulfill their dreams and become our leaders of tomorrow.

SISTER MARY ELIZABETH

REED D.C.

Vice President, Mission Effectiveness

St. Francis Medical Center, Lynwood