What a chilly but wonderful day at the University of Minnesota’s “Day at the State Capitol!” The rotunda buzzed with students from all over the state, united in their mission to advocate for Minnesota’s future.
Here at the Rochester campus, every student is focused on health careers. This is crucial, especially as Minnesota faces a significant shortage of healthcare workers. Currently, about 79% of counties in the state lack enough primary care physicians.
The University is urging the state to invest in training nearly 3,000 new health professionals over the next decade, including 500 graduates from UMR. Our campus is nearly full, and to accommodate more students, we need to expand both our facilities and our programs.
One of our graduates, Mason Schlief, highlights the importance of this work: “Clients and I often face a lack of mental health resources. Some wait months for care. This challenge pushes us to maximize our efforts while seeking better solutions.”
I deeply appreciate our supportive community and the outstanding healthcare providers, many of whom are UMR alumni, making a difference in Rochester. Together, let’s advocate for the state to invest in UMR’s growth, so we can better serve the health needs of all Minnesotans.
Lori J. Carrell, Ph.D., Rochester
Chancellor of the University of Minnesota Rochester
