IN Pulse – March 8, 2026
2026 | Issue 10 – Workforce Surge • Rural Transformation • Metabolic Access
Trendline Health | IN Pulse | 2026 | Issue 10
Workforce & Education
Ivy Tech Evansville launches fast-track CCMA program with Deaconess partnership
Ivy Tech Evansville and Deaconess Health System are rolling out a new 10-week Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program starting May 26, 2026, with classes and clinical training held on the Deaconess Midtown campus. The initiative targets immediate workforce gaps in Southwestern Indiana and may be fully covered for eligible students via Indiana’s Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant.
“This collaboration strengthens our community’s healthcare workforce while giving students hands-on experience, industry-recognized credentials, and a direct connection to employment opportunities right here in Southwestern Indiana.” ~Daniela Vidal, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Evansville
Ivy Tech Evansville News
Courier & Press coverage
Landmark Ferguson gift + IU Health investment supercharges Ivy Tech Bloomington nursing expansion
Connie and Steve Ferguson joined IU Health’s $10 million commitment to create two new endowments at Ivy Tech Bloomington’s Lee J. Marchant School of Nursing, fueling evening/weekend cohorts, faculty support, facility upgrades, clinical capacity growth, and scholarships tied to IU Health employment. The push builds on an innovative evening nursing model already showing strong enrollment and aims to help close Indiana’s ~4,300-nurse shortage while keeping graduates (90%+) in-state.
Rural Health & Funding
GROW Regional Grants now open – $120M Year 1 for Indiana rural coalitions
Indiana’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) launched the GROW Regional Grants application process, distributing $120 million in first-year funding across eight regional coalitions to tackle technology, access, innovative care, workforce, and chronic disease priorities. Letters of intent are due May 1; full applications July 1; awards begin September 1. Regional Committees of diverse rural stakeholders will guide equitable, data-driven investments.
Innovation & Access
Community Health Network embeds Nourish virtual dietitians across specialties statewide
Community Health Network partnered with Nourish to integrate in-network, virtual metabolic health care—led by registered dietitians—into primary care, cardiology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, oncology, nephrology, and women’s health workflows. Patients access the service at little to no out-of-pocket cost via existing benefits, supported by an AI-powered app for ongoing tracking. The move targets root-cause metabolic dysfunction behind major chronic conditions.Community Health Network News | Healthcare Innovation follow-up
Cancer Care Expansion
Fort Wayne Medical Oncology & Hematology + Cameron Health broaden oncology services in Angola
FWMOH and Cameron Health expanded cancer care capacity at the Regional Cancer Care Center on the Cameron campus in Angola with renovated space, five new exam rooms, 12 infusion bays, and increased days of service for medical oncology, hematology, infusion therapy, and palliative care. The upgrade responds to rising cancer rates in Steuben County and builds on a 25-year partnership.
“This expansion reflects our commitment to meeting the growing need for cancer care in Angola and the surrounding communities,” said Dr. Praveen Kollipara, Board-certified medical oncologist and president of FWMOH
Trendline Health IN Pulse is curated weekly for Indiana healthcare leaders. Got a tip or feedback? Send to inpulse@trendlinehealth.com.