ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú

This collective began as a healthcare workforce advisory group in 2022. Initially focused on addressing healthcare workforce shortages, the group recognized that a broader, systems-based approach was needed to tackle the interconnected workforce challenges in the Bitterroot Valley. In response, the advisory group successfully applied to participate in initiative, becoming one of only 10 communities nationwide selected for the program. Evolving into a formalized collective, it now leverages cross-sector partnerships to address workforce challenges holistically. Members include the Hamilton School District, Bitterroot Health, the Bitterroot Early Learning Network, UM-Bitterroot, and the UM Office of Health Research & Partnership.

The Roots to Rise Collective employs a comprehensive system-based approach to address workforce and community challenges. A system-based approach is a holistic framework that addresses complex challenges by considering the interconnected components of a system and how they interact. Rather than focusing on isolated issues or solutions, this approach examines the broader context, relationships, and dynamics that influence outcomes.

In practice, a system-based approach involves:

• Collaboration Across Sectors: Engaging diverse stakeholders, such as educators, employers, policymakers, and community organizations, to align efforts and share resources.
• Addressing Root Causes: Identifying and targeting the underlying factors driving challenges, rather than only treating symptoms.
• Integration and Coordination: Ensuring that various programs, policies, and initiatives work together seamlessly to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Adaptability: Continuously monitoring and adjusting strategies in response to changing needs, conditions, and feedback from stakeholders.
• Sustainability: Focusing on long-term solutions that build capacity and resilience within the system.

 The specific strategies we are currently implementing include:

• Stakeholder Engagement Process: We leverage collaborative partnerships to align the goals of educational institutions, employers, and community organizations, ensuring initiatives meet the unique needs of stakeholders.
• Integrated Career Pathways: By designing seamless pathways that connect secondary education, post-secondary programs, and workforce development, we aim to increase participation in health science careers and other high-demand fields.
• Economic Mobility: Create comprehensive career navigation services for high school and adult learners to help them navigate their career journey.
• Increasing Community Capacity: To address childcare and housing barriers, we build partnerships and resources that enhance access and affordability, enabling a sustainable foundation for workforce and community development.