Understanding the Issue

Meriter Foundation

Our Community is Facing a Mounting Healthcare Staffing Shortage

In fact, the entire nation is grappling with a healthcare workforce deficit. Although this problem predates the pandemic, COVID-19 and its ongoing impacts have amplified the problem. Nurses, in particular, are leaving the profession; more than 50% OF NURSES in the United States are expected to retire within the next 10 years.

This issue is only compounded by increasing patient volumes, spurred by both an increasing and aging population in Dane County.

While this issue is not unique to Dane County and UnityPoint Health – Meriter, we recognize the important role Meriter, as a community healthcare system, can play in helping to address this problem in our region.

Every person in our community should have access to expert, compassionate healthcare—now and for generations to come.

With your help, we can create:

  • Healthcare staffing levels that sustain optimal patient access, care, safety and outcomes.
  • A diverse workforce of caregivers to advocate for all patients in our community and address health inequities.
  • A healthy community for everyone.

Learn more about our creative suite of solutions, expertly designed to address this complex issue.