Byline: KENNETH C. CROWE II Staff writer
Ballston Spa Facing shortages of registered nurses and other health care professionals, Saratoga County is considering providing tuition incentives to encourage county residents to pursue health careers.
The Saratoga County Health Care Corps would be modeled after the GI Bill and the New York State National Guard's education reimbursement program for college students.
``We've got to work to make it happen,'' said Supervisor Anthony ``Skip'' Scirocco, R-Saratoga Springs, chairman of the county Public Health Committee.
The program's cost has not been determined.
``There will be a budget impact. It will cost money to do it. It will help people,'' said Supervisor Roy J. McDonald, R-Wilton.
McDonald said he would like the county to go beyond tuition payments to include housing and transportation support.
Neil Roberts of the Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs said providing incentives would help his organization and others fill staffing shortages. He said he needs 40 to 50 employees to be at full staff level of about 600.
The county will study the concept as it prepares its 2002 budget.
