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TowneBank
This September, Atrium Health Foundation announced a $500,000 gift from TowneBank in support of scholarships at Carolinas College of Health Sciences (CCHS). The TowneBank scholarships will be given to incoming CCHS students with the goal of increasing the diversity of the student body and ensuring that students from disadvantaged backgrounds will have access to healthcare careers. CCHS offers certificate programs, associate and bachelor's degrees, and post-graduate courses through a variety of both online and on-campus healthcare programs. The generous gift from TowneBank will fund $50,000 in scholarships each year for the next ten years, making a real impact for underrepresented students pursuing an array of healthcare careers.
“We are honored that TowneBank shares Atrium Health’s commitment to creating a culture of caring, empowering those who wish to learn, and embracing diversity in the communities we serve,” said Hampton Hopkins, president of CCHS, part of Atrium Health. “It’s important to ensure a diverse student body that is representative of the patients we treat,” he added.
Improved diversity among medical professionals—including factors such as socioeconomic status, race, and gender identity—is key to providing the best possible care for all patients and helping to minimize disparities in treatment and health outcomes. Numerous studies have shown that a commitment to diversity is a critical component in providing responsive and supportive care, yet there is still progress to be made in ensuring that a diverse student body has access to healthcare careers.
“TowneBank believes in the strength of Atrium Health’s educational programming,” said Ted Wolfe, TowneBank Charlotte president. “We are honored to be part of the solution that provides a clearer pathway for marginalized students to improve the trajectory of their careers in the healthcare field.”
TowneBank was founded in Virginia in 1999 and has a growing presence in North Carolina. With three branches in Charlotte and a plan for continued growth, TowneBank will make a positive impact in the Charlotte region through this generous gift.
