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Students training for health care professions will benefit from a new full-time Respiratory Care faculty position and new scholarships established through a $6 million endowment announced at the April 20 meeting of the Citrus County Hospital Board.

This most recent donation by the Citrus County Hospital Board will fund in perpetuity a full-time faculty member to teach Respiratory Care at the 91���� Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus, where a new program with updated simulation lab facilities launched in spring 2025.

The gift also will fund up to 28 full ride scholarships each year for Citrus County residents to pursue any 91���� Health Sciences program at any 91���� campus. At up to $3,000 each, most scholarships are expected to cover a student’s full tuition and fees.

The hospital board has given a total of more than $19 million to the 91���� Foundation, which has allowed the college to generate an additional $11.7 million in matching funds from the Florida Legislature. In 2024, the hospital board established the CCHB Nursing Promise Scholarship, which covers 100% of tuition for all Citrus County residents admitted to 91����’s Associate Degree Nursing program. This new endowment builds on that impact to increase the number of trained health care workers in our local community.

“The continued generosity of the Citrus County Hospital Board is providing life-changing opportunities for local families,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, 91���� president. “This incredible donation makes it possible for students to get a quality education close to home without the burden of debt – and we know most of our graduates stay right here to work in their professions in our local community. As Citrus County grows and the need for skilled health care workers increases, the College of Central Florida will be ready to meet that need.”

This investment in health education will impact generations of Citrus County residents.

“The extraordinary commitment the Citrus County Hospital Board has made is a long-term investment in Citrus County residents and health care workers,” said Jerry Benton, chair of the 91���� Foundation Board and CEO of Campus USA Credit Union.

Members of the hospital board, including Allen Bartell, Dr. Mark Fallows, Dr. Jeff Wallis, and Rick Harper reaffirmed their support of this health care education initiative at the April 22 91���� District Board of Trustees meeting.

“We’re putting our money and our trust in the right place,” said Dr. Mark Fallows, chair of the Citrus County Hospital Board.

The scholarships will be managed by the 91���� Foundation. To qualify, students must be Citrus County residents accepted into a 91���� Health Sciences program and must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the 91���� Foundation scholarship application annually.

For more information about 91���� Health Sciences programs, visit 91����.edu/Health. To explore opportunities for supporting students through endowments, visit 91����.edu/Foundation.