Annual Youth Conference
As a healthcare provider in the Central Valley, we are faced with the reality of having an extreme healthcare professional shortage in primary care. One way we began to address this issue was by collaborating with Madera County High Schools focusing on Career Technical Education (CTE) and Health Care Pathway Programs. By working closely with high schools and CTE programs, we have been able to expose more students and teachers to the various health professions in primary care.
In 2016, Camarena Health facilitated the HEALTH CAREERS START HERE-MADERA YOUTH CONFERENCE. The conference hosted 150 high school students from Madera County, and allowed students to interact with local healthcare professionals. The workshops provided students with an understanding of the education, cost, and growth opportunities associated with each of the professions.
“I’m interested in the medical field. I’m in an ROP Athletic Training Class, and I love to jump into opportunities that I’m given to explore the medical field more. It’s just something I love.” – Madison – High School Senior
“I wish I had the opportunity like these students have had to participate in an exposure session like this. I had to learn this on my own. The fact that they’re able to participate with different agencies that have kindly come over to instruct and give some insight… it’s something they can take full advantage of.” – Alex Diaz – Paramedic / Pistoresi Paramedics & Ambulances
“This conference allowed me to know more about the career field I have chosen. My love for the medical field and passion to follow it is guided by Camarena Health.” – Noah C – Conference Participant
Over 20 healthcare professionals joined our conference in 2016 in an effort to educate and inspire students to pursue a career in health care. Topics included:
- Direct Patient Care Professions
- Mental & Behavioral Health Professions
- Community & Public Health Professions
- Patient Populations Served
- Soft Skills
- Cultural Competency & Health Literacy
A special THANK YOU to community partners who made this conference possible.
- Madera County Office of Education
- Madera COMPACT
- Madera Unified School District
- Health Workforce Initiative
- Madera Community College Center
- Valley Children’s Hospital
- Madera Community Hospital
- Madera County Public Health
- Madera County Workforce Investment Coalition
- Central Valley Health Network
Our Annual Youth Conference is held in line with our core operating value of Collaboration – Camarena Health has established itself as a valuable member of our community. We collaborate with a wide variety of community partners, advocate for the highest quality of life, and understand the critical importance of thinking beyond our walls.
