Failing to secure funding for the expansion of SUNY Orange's healthcare sector programs would have significant consequences for the college, the community, and the regional economy. Without this initiative, the gap between workforce supply and employer demand in critical healthcare roles will continue to widen, exacerbating existing shortages of skilled professionals such as CNAs, EMTs, and medical coders. Regional healthcare providers will face increasing challenges in delivering quality care, particularly to aging populations and those requiring specialized services such as telehealth, behavioral health, and geriatric care.

For the community, the lack of program expansion means fewer opportunities for local residents to access affordable, high-quality training in a high-demand field, limiting their pathways to stable, well-paying careers. This would disproportionately affect underrepresented and low-income populations who rely on accessible education and training to improve their socioeconomic standing. Additionally, the Hudson Valley region could experience a decline in overall health outcomes as healthcare facilities struggle to meet the needs of their patients due to staffing shortages.

From an institutional perspective, SUNY Orange risks falling behind peer institutions in its ability to respond to regional workforce demands, potentially diminishing its reputation as a leader in workforce development. The college may also lose out on potential partnerships with local healthcare providers, which could impact other programs and initiatives. Furthermore, failing to act now may result in missed opportunities to leverage state and federal workforce development grants, increasing the financial burden on the institution and reducing its ability to innovate in other critical areas.

Ultimately, not funding this initiative would represent a missed opportunity to address pressing community needs, advance equity, and contribute to the long-term economic and social well-being of the Hudson Valley region. It would hinder SUNY Orange’s ability to fulfill its mission of providing accessible, workforce-aligned education and preparing students for meaningful careers in an evolving economy.