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MASON CITY -- After much discussion, Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa (Mercy) and North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) have mutually agreed to revise their partnership in providing health education.

In 1987, Mercy and NIACC partnered to create the Regional Health Education Center to serve the health education needs of Mercy associates and the North Iowa community.  For 22 years, the Center did an excellent job of meeting those needs.  Mercy and NIACC’s joint decision to discontinue the Center as of July 1, 2010, will allow each organization to move forward in accordance with their respective missions: Mercy will concentrate on professional development programs within the organization, and NIACC will continue to provide health-related core education preparation for students in health related careers as well as continuing education for health professionals within the community.

“Our institutions have made what we felt was the best decision for the people we serve.  This change will allow Mercy to focus its education resources on internal training and development for its associates, leaders and medical staff.  Mercy and NIACC will continue to partner in many areas to enhance health care services such as Mercy providing clinical rotation experience to NIACC students in health-related programs,” James FitzPatrick, Mercy president/chief executive officer, said.

NIACC currently offers career education for health care professions including registered nurses; physical therapist assistants; practical nurses; medical assistants; medical laboratory technicians; pharmacy assistants; radiologic technology; and wellness, exercise science and leisure services.  Building on this foundation, the change will allow NIACC to continue to explore new health programs based on community needs within North Iowa.

“We are fortunate to have such a strong health education foundation built by Mercy and NIACC collaboratively.  That sound tradition will continue as we enter a new chapter in health education for North Iowa.  Our organizations will continue to partner together for various initiatives to improve the health care services and explore future partnership opportunities as well,” Dr. Deb Derr, NIACC president, said.

Regional Health Education Center will continue to offer services until June 30, 2010. During that time, Mercy and NIACC will work together to make a smooth transition.

For more information on NIACC’s offerings, call 1-888-GO NIACC.

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