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Rock Valley Publishing
Thursday, March 13, 2025
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THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2025
Chamberlain University leading the charge on men in nursing Last week, Chamberlain University’s Addison campus celebrated its 17th anniversary, where the co-presidents of the school’s men in nursing organization, Kelechi Ebiringah and Alberto Folch, led a student appreciation event. “The men in nursing organization is pretty new,” Folch said, “but we want to make sure people know about us and that the group continues after we graduate.” The Health Resources and Services Administration anticipates a 10 percent shortage of registered nurses (RNs) nationwide by 2027; Illinois is no exception. One way to help fill the gap is recruiting more potential nurses to the field, including men. While still the minority, Team at Stardust Bowl remembers ‘The Don of Sports’ See story inside
men in nursing is trending upward; as of March 2024, the percentage of male nurses had grown by 59 percent over the last 10 years. Even a two-time Super Bowl champ is training to become a nurse. “We want to combat the stigma of entering a female-dominated profession,” said Ebiringah. “There are so many different paths you can take within nursing.” SUBMITTED PHOTO Addison Independent Adtalem Global Education’s Chamberlain UniversiChamberlain University Men in Nursing Co-Presity—with Illinois campuses in dents: Alberto Folch (left) and Kelechi Ebiringah work Addison, Chicago and Tinley to recruit more men to consider nursing as a profession Park—is at the forefront of at the university’s 17th anniversary celebration held last this shift. week in Addison. Dr. Harrell Jordan, Addison campus president and the in Nursing from the University for helping the underserved men in nursing organization’s of Illinois at Chicago’s College and underrepresented as they faculty leader, was the first of Nursing. pursue their dreams of becomBlack man to complete a PhD With a deep-rooted passion ing extraordinary nurses, Dr.
Jordan mentors many, especially Black male nurses, who make up just 6.3 percent of RNs in the United States. “Everything I do is setting an example for the next generation,” he said. “If I had someone like me to look up to at the start of my career, it would’ve made all the difference.” This disparity is impacting us locally. According to the Chicago Department of Public Health’s recent community health assessment, within the city of Chicago, there is a 11.4-year life expectancy gap between Black and non-Black Chicagoans. This gap is driven by the inequitable experience of key health conditions and recruiting a more diverse healthcare workforce is one solution. For
example, some male patients may feel more at ease talking with a man about gender-related issues such as prostate cancer, which disproportionately affects Black men. Bringing more men, especially men of color, into nursing can improve health outcomes and alleviate staffing shortages while increasing health equity, access to care, and patient satisfaction. Dr. Jordan shares, “When I worked in the emergency room, I was the only Black male nurse on my unit. We can connect with patients who have the same experiences and offer a unique perspective.” Chamberlain University’s next academic session begins May 5. For more information, visit chamberlain.edu.
District 88 Board of Education names February Business Partner
During its Feb. 24 meeting, the District 88 Board of Education named Richard “Rick” and Monica Whittingham, with R. Whittingham & Sons Meats, Inc., as a business partner. The Business Partner program acknowledges companies, organizations and individuals for their support
in building futures for District 88 students and helping to accomplish the district’s mission and vision. The Whittinghams are a prime example of a Business Partner and are the epitome of involved and engaged community members, who work with District 88 to achieve the district’s goals.
Inside:
Opinion.............................4 Police Reports �������������������8 Speak out..........................5 Sports......................... 18-20
They live in Addison and can frequently be seen in the halls of Addison Trail, helping with concessions and other behind-the-scenes activities at events. They are huge supporters of and advocates for the students and families of District 88. The district is proud to honor the Whittinghams as a business partner in recognition of their efforts, which include: • Donated T-shirts for the Relay For Life of District 88 Youth program, an annual event that raises funds for the American Cancer Society. • Provided financial support for an Addison Trail student in need after the student’s father passed away.
• Donated turkeys for this year’s annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway for staff. • Donate meat each year for Addison Trail’s Kermes (Latino food festival), an annual event that features traditional Latino dishes; live entertainment with music and dancing, including student performance groups; raffles; and games. • Donated boxes of meat to help Addison Trail families in need during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. • Sponsored more than 10 families during the holidays to ensure they had gifts. To read more about this recognition, go to http:// www.dupage88.net/WhittinghamBusinessPartner2025.
SUBMITTED PHOTO Addison Independent
Shown here are Richard “Rick” and Monica Whittingham, with R. Whittingham & Sons Meats, Inc., who were named as a District 88 Business Partner during the District 88 Board of Education meeting on Feb. 24.
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