News
Senator Carper Announces $100,000 Appropriation for Beebe School of Nursing
12/23/04
Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) visited Beebe Medical Center and the Beebe School of Nursing on Tuesday, December 21, 2004, to announce a second federal appropriation of $100,000, which the Delaware delegation was able to secure toward the expansion and renovation of the Beebe School of Nursing. With the new funds, the School of Nursing is constructing a multi-functional classroom area that will be able to be converted into a conference area for large meetings. Additionally, the project includes equipping the classrooms with modern communications and audio-visual capability, constructing two laboratories, a new library, office space, student lounges and storage areas. This new building will allow the Beebe School of Nursing to expand its enrollment by 30%-50%, thus helping to alleviate the nursing shortage in Delaware.
During his visit, Senator Carper spoke to School of Nursing faculty, members of Beebe’s Board of Directors, medical staff, and management, highlighting the importance of the Beebe School of Nursing and Beebe Medical Center in providing a critical service for our community. Senator Carper cited healthcare as an essential foundation of the community, for our state and the nation as a whole.
The federal funding will be used for a $3.5 million expansion of the School of Nursing. The School needs to expand to accommodate the number of students who are qualified and interested in pursuing a nursing career. More than 60 qualified candidates applied for admission to the Beebe School of Nursing in 2004, however, the school could admit only 30 due to facility constraints. The expansion would add classrooms and laboratory space by eliminating dormitory rooms, which are not essential since most students elect to live off campus. The additional space would allow the School to double its admission.
Additional support:
Earlier this year, Representative V. George Carey, a member of the House of Representatives' Capital Infrastructure Committee (Bond Bill Committee) assisted in obtaining a $500,000 grant from the Bond Bill for the School. State Senator Gary Simpson also was instrumental in gaining the grant for the School of Nursing. Congressman Michael Castle was able to secure $273,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the project.
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