CVS Health Announces New Work Force Development and Community Center in Louisiana

CVS Health

CVS Health announced that it is opening a workforce development and community center in Louisiana.¹ The center will be located in Baton Rouge and will be focused on improving the area’s access to health service and reducing employment barriers.

According to a press release, the new center will include programs and facilities to help local residents obtain the training they need for employment, along with potential job placement. The center will even include a mock CVS Pharmacy location to be used for training sessions. The center will also be able to provide external training opportunities at nearby CVS Pharmacy locations.

The center will also provide training for CPR and first-aid situations, along with providing connections to loval care providers.

In the press release, Aetna Better Health of Louisiana CEO Jess Hall said, “As a leading health solutions company, we know that there is a strong connection between sustainable employment and health and wellness. With the combined resources of CVS Health and Aetna and our network of community partners, we are uniquely positioned to help the people of Baton Rouge access the career skills training and the health and wellness services they need to overcome barriers to employment, stay healthy and motivated and ultimately succeed in their careers."

Aetna Better Health of Louisiana is a CVS Health company.

In the same press release, mayor-president Sharon Weston Broome said, “I firmly believe in the power of public-private partnerships to drive positive change and create opportunities for our community. The collaboration between Big Buddy Baton Rouge and CVS Health through the Mayor's Youth Workforce Experience (MYWE) exemplifies this commitment, as it provides invaluable workforce development environments and hands-on job training to our future workforce. By working together, we can ensure that our residents have the skills and resources they need to thrive in today's competitive job market. This partnership not only benefits the individuals involved but also strengthens our local economy and fosters a brighter future for Baton Rouge."

The center will also feature a staff of career skills trainers and care navigators. While the center is a new addition to the area, these sorts of programs have been carried out at CVS locations in the area for three years. Local stores participate in both the MYWE and Big Buddy programs, which have allowed local high school students to gain on-the-job experience at participating locations, with the intent that this experience will help them launch a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

"Working at CVS has really helped to strengthen my communication skills, because prior to my externship I was shy, but I've since realized I'm an extrovert," said 16-year-old A'amya Johnson, a MYWE. "I love everything about my job especially talking to the customers. This opportunity has helped me decide that I want to pursue a health care career."

After completing her 2023 summer program, Johnson became a part-time CVS Pharmacy retail associate.

Source

1. CVS Health Opens New Workforce Development and Community Resource Center in Baton Rouge. CVS Health. April 25, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cvs-health-opens-new-workforce-development-and-community-resource-center-in-baton-rouge-302127196.html