MANCHESTER, NH – Elliot Hospital’s Granite State Partners Program has reached a significant milestone in addressing New Hampshire’s nursing workforce needs, celebrating the midpoint of its $3 million Nursing Expansion Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. This initiative, designed to strengthen the state’s healthcare pipeline, has successfully retained all 300 individuals from the NH community who aspire to pursue nursing careers.
The event brought together key leaders and partners who made this achievement possible. Greg Baxter, CEO of Elliot Hospital, joined U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan to honor the accomplishment and hear firsthand the inspiring stories of three program participants whose lives have been transformed through this opportunity.
The celebration was more than a recognition of numbers—it highlighted the power of collaboration. Over 40 organizations from diverse sectors across New Hampshire united to break down silos and create pathways for aspiring nurses. This collective effort underscores the importance of partnerships in solving critical workforce challenges.
In addition to grant funding, the program raised supplemental funds in partnership with Granite Edvance, Citizens Bank, and Network for Health to help individuals attending New Hampshire community colleges pay for prerequisite courses—costs not covered by the grant, which requires participants to be enrolled in a nursing program. Both Granite Edvance and Citizens Bank made second-round donations to strengthen this effort. Furthermore, the program received an additional $100,000 from Eastern Bank to provide supportive services such as gas, groceries, childcare, housing, and other essentials, ensuring participants can focus on their education and career goals.
Sponsored and catered by the Mary & John Elliot Charitable Foundation and Nourished of Manchester, the event showcased a shared commitment to building a sustainable nursing workforce for the future. By investing in education and removing barriers, this initiative is not only filling positions but also strengthening the fabric of healthcare in New Hampshire.
“We are so proud of the work we are doing to make a difference in our communities and healthcare,” said Sarah Vlasich, Granite State Partners Grant Manager. “This opportunity is life-changing, and we couldn’t do it without our partners and their support.”
As the state faces growing healthcare demands, this achievement stands as a model of what can be accomplished when communities, healthcare systems, and policymakers work together toward a common goal.