Recognizing the critical need to find a solution for the healthcare work shortage, UnityPoint Health-Meriter established the Jeff Levy Education Center as a welcoming and inclusive space that would aim to educate and empower future healthcare team members. Their vision was to create a vibrant hub for training and establish a center for support, encouragement, partnership, and equitable access to opportunity and possibility. The Center’s goals included designing a space to: 

• Build a strong workforce that will enable equitable access to high quality health care in the community.
• Advance team members through career support and professional growth opportunities. 
• Diversify and expand the health care workforce.  
• Accelerate onboarding of new team members. 
• Provide opportunity for community collaboration and education.

The program includes space for the human resources department, new team member onboarding processes, foundation offices and continued education and training for current team members. Rooms accommodate a variety of in-person and virtual clinical and non-clinical classes, while considering opportunities for community class offerings. Rooms were designed with wall partitions to flex in size, with easily moveable, comfortable furniture to accommodate various course curriculums and community needs. Multipurpose space was incorporated to ensure the facility could flex between a wide range of purposes such as employee training, community education and fitness offerings. 

Vibrant colors and artwork throughout the building create an energetic space for training and education. Inspiring environmental branding on walls reinforce the value of the health care workforce and create a sense of belonging. Employee Health Services also found a home at this location. Clinic exam rooms were designed to accommodate a range of service offerings to UnityPoint Health-Meriter staff.