HJAR Mar/Apr 2021

46 MAR / APR 2021 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS COMMUNITY HEALTH Building a Better Workforce Pipeline for Stronger Community Health DIALOGUE COLUMN COMMUNITY HEALTH IT HAS BEEN A YEAR now that COVID-19 has impacted the healthcare system. The world’s response to COVID-19 has resulted in a rapid transformation in healthcare de- livery, creating spaces for strategic partner- ships, digitization and innovation. It has also presented an unprecedented workforce crisis in many states, more specifically in many rural communities. This crisis should give great pause to healthcare leaders, medical schools, nursing programs, elected officials and community leaders. The media frequent- ly depict nurses’pictures in hospital settings and hospital-based workforce issues. Now, “As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of our patients, their families and ourselves. They may not remember your name, but they will never forget the way you made them feel.” —Maya Angelou