Published On: August 12th, 2024By Leticia Fehling

Nimitz High School HEAL Program Students Concluded the Memorial Hermann’s Summer Infusion Experience With Stop the Bleed and Life Flight Activities

HEAL is the district’s newest CTE program for Aldine ISD students.

The four-week summer infusion experience at Aldine ISD and Memorial Hermann, a unique and exciting opportunity, was crucial to the preparation of incoming ninth-grade students accepted into the Nimitz High School HEAL (Health Education and Learning)Program.

Memorial Hermann designed the summer schedule to excite the students pursuing a pathway in the medical field. Everyone involved also provided students with the guidelines and the necessary skills and knowledge before the start of their first year this fall. The infusion exposed high school students to a unique opportunity to pursue HEAL’s five career pathways: medical imaging, nursing, non-clinical medical administration, pharmacy, and physical and occupational rehabilitation.

Students gained expert insights and behind-the-scenes experiences through immersive trips and tours.

The students began their day at Nimitz HS before being transported to Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital. They gain a first-hand understanding of the culture and service standards, an overview of pathways and core skills needed to succeed (e.g., communication, professionalism), meet and hear from various teams that comprise the Memorial Hermann System essential to the care of patients, and more.

The Memorial Hermann team planned various hands-on experiences and fun activities, engaging the students and making the learning experience informative and fun.

Students also had the opportunity to meet Memorial Hermann System leaders such as President & CEO Dr. David L. Callender, Senior Vice President/Chief Nursing Executive Bryan Sisk, Associate Vice President of the Memorial Hermann Nursing Institute Caitlin McVey, and other executive leaders, who inspired them and provided a glimpse into potential future roles.

The culminating events were the Stop the Bleed, Life Flight, and other first-responder experiences and activities on July 26. These activities, which simulated real-life emergencies, allowed students to apply the knowledge and skills they had acquired during the program, preparing them for potential future roles in the healthcare field.

About the HEAL Program at Nimitz High School

The HEAL Program, currently housed at the former Nimitz Ninth Grade campus site, is supported by a groundbreaking $31 million investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies — the largest private foundation grant in our school district’s history. This significant investment is a testament to the foundation’s vision to connect health and education systems, and it will help us provide students with a high-quality education and prepare them for successful careers in healthcare.

Memorial Hermann and Aldine ISD co-developed HEAL’s curriculum. The collaboration will offer robust academic programming, specialized healthcare classes, work-based learning, and the opportunity to earn industry-valued credentials and certifications. The program will be phased in over four academic years to serve approximately 760 students at capacity. The initiative will provide students with direct work experience and access to rewarding jobs within Memorial Hermann immediately after graduation. Click HERE to read more about the partnership.