Congressman secures funding for nurses

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - New funding was announced Wednesday thanks to Congressman Fred Upton, and it could create more jobs in West Michigan.

Upton (R-St. Joseph) announced he secured $285,000 to support the a nurse practitioner distance learning scholarship program. Southwest Michigan is an underserved area with a shortage of nurses, but the region also has a critical need for nurse practitioners with training in mental health.

The scholarships will go toward medical training that Upton says will bring well-paying health care jobs to southwest Michigan.

Local nurses who sign up for the program will receive scholarships in exchange for a commitment to remain and serve their southwest Michigan communities.