Sunshine Health announced on April 7 the results of its Sunshine Health Works program, reporting that nearly 1,900 people have been supported and trained for healthcare careers across Florida. The initiative is part of Centene Corporation and aims to address critical labor shortages in the state’s healthcare system while providing pathways for individuals to enter and advance in the field.
The workforce development effort is significant as it seeks to ease staffing pressures on Florida’s healthcare providers by offering scholarships, certifications, hands-on training, and direct employment opportunities. The program also focuses on helping Sunshine Health members who are entering or re-entering the workforce after career disruptions.
“By partnering with colleges, healthcare providers, and community organizations, we’re helping people gain the skills they need to thrive in healthcare careers while addressing urgent staffing needs across the state,” said Charlene Zein, CEO of Sunshine Health. “Sunshine Health Works is more than a workforce initiative. It’s a reflection of our mission to improve lives and create pathways to self-sufficiency for the Medicaid members we serve.”
Participants have reported positive outcomes from their involvement in Sunshine Health Works. Adrienne A., a Medical Administrative Assistant student who was laid off last year, said: “After being laid off last year, this experience has been a turning point for me. Thanks to Broward College and Sunshine Health, I now feel confident in pursuing a position as a Medical Administrative Assistant.” Tyanna K., another participant from Hillsborough College studying to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), added: “I learned so much, including life skills that I can take into my future job at the hospital. This is the first step to my career.”
The program collaborates with twelve partner organizations statewide—including Tallahassee State College; Hillsborough College; Broward College; Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University; Florida State College of Jacksonville; Valencia College; University of South Florida’s Colleges of Nursing and Social Work; G.R.O.W Doula/Healthy Start; National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Florida; Hispanic Unity Florida; and United HomeCare—to offer seventeen distinct healthcare certifications such as CNA, Home Health Aide, Medical Assistant, and Licensed Practical Nurse.
Specialized clinical programs under Sunshine Health Works include training over 200 doulas through Healthy Start’s G.R.O.W Doula partnership across ten counties—198 of whom are credentialed—as well as supporting social work licensure efforts with USF’s College of Social Work.
As labor shortages continue nationwide within health care systems—limiting patient access while increasing employer challenges—the results from programs like Sunshine Health Works may play an important role in meeting ongoing demands.
