Dr. Linda Rhodes, -- an Erie native, a Distinguished Alumna of the Year award winner of Mercyhurst College, former Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging and author of three books -- has been named director of the new Hirtzel Institute on Health Education and Aging at Mercyhurst North East.
The mission of the Hirtzel Institute on Health Education and Aging is to educate policymakers, civic leaders, educators, consumers, providers and the caregiver workforce on strategies to effectively engage the impact of the aging population on health care, workforce preparation, academe, communities and families. The Institute will also broaden its scope beyond aging issues and also address the continuing health education needs of nurses, nursing students and the allied health workforce. The Institute is supported by a $1 million grant from The Orris C. Hirtzel and Beatrice Dewey Hirtzel Memorial Foundation.
“I'm honored by this appointment and welcome the opportunity to return to my alma mater and hometown to facilitate efforts that will advance health education and policymaking with a special emphasis on aging” Rhodes said.
Rhodes recently completed a demographic and workforce analysis of an eight county region on behalf of the Institute entitled Mercyhurst's Mandate in Geriatric Nursing Education. The study analyzed population trends in Northwest Pennsylvania that will impact healthcare in hospitals, nursing homes and community-based care. The study also tracked workforce trends among nurses and asked employers along with currently employed nurses as to what continuing educational needs and skills they require to meet the growing demands of geriatric patient care. Over 200 nurses responded to an electronic survey or participated in focus groups to yield a “rich agenda in health and nursing education for the region,” according to Rhodes. The nursing faculty of Mercyhurst North East, which offers academic degrees in Registered Nursing and Licensed Practical Nursing, is using the study to identify educational opportunities for its students.
Dr. Gary Brown, Executive Vice-president of Mercyhurst North East explained that Rhodes will be charged with, “finding, strengthening and creating opportunities for the college and community to address the growing demands of health education and aging. I see her role as similar to what the college has done with the Civic Institute, which has engaged a wide range of social issues on behalf of the community.”
Rhodes has written three books, one of which just received the Bronze National 2005 Mature Media Award, Should Mom be left alone? Should Dad be driving? available in bookstores nationwide. Her most recent book, Breast Cancer: Covered or Not? An Insurance Guide was underwritten by the Centers for Disease Control on behalf of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. The book navigates women through the insurance maze of health care when diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Linda's talent and access to a broad network of resources at the state and national level will not only be an asset for Mercyhurst but for the entire region,” claimed Dr. Gary Brown.
To reach Dr. Rhodes, contact her at lrhodes@mercyhurst.edu or call at 814-725-6245. The Hirtzel Institute on Health Education and Aging is located in the new Michele and Tom Ridge Health and Safety Center at Mercyhurst North East in Ridge Room 206.
