The Port Orchard City Council meeting on March 18, 2025, focused on the promotion of healthcare education in Kitsap County, particularly through Olympic Community College (OCC). The discussion centered around a proposal to enhance the radiology technology and sonography programs at OCC, which are crucial for addressing local healthcare workforce shortages.

Alicia Nye, the dean of nursing and allied health at OCC, highlighted the need for these programs, especially as Kitsap County faces challenges in healthcare access, often referred to as a "healthcare desert." The council noted that while Tacoma Community College has opposed OCC's application for program certification, the need for local training facilities is pressing. Currently, students from Tacoma Community College complete their clinical training in Kitsap County but return to Tacoma after graduation, limiting local investment in the community.

Support for OCC's initiative has come from various local entities, including Saint Michael's and Saint Anthony Medical Centers, which have opposed Tacoma's appeal. The Kitsap Public Health District has also expressed support, and Kitsap County allocated $6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to assist OCC in developing these programs. Additionally, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health contributed $2.5 million to the effort.

The council emphasized that strengthening the local healthcare workforce would not only improve healthcare access but also create stable, high-paying jobs that benefit the local economy. A recommendation was made to include a note in the council's letter addressing transportation issues for students traveling to Tacoma Community College, as access to education is a significant concern for residents living far from OCC.

The council plans to finalize and send a letter of support for OCC's programs, reinforcing the community's commitment to enhancing healthcare education and addressing workforce needs in Kitsap County.