The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Alliance has partnered with Girls Incorporated of Chattanooga by providing a $10,020.00 donation to fund the Emma Wheeler Health Careers Academy for girls ages 14-18.

Named after Emma Wheeler, the first female African-American physician in Chattanooga, the Health Careers Academy explores traditional and non-traditional professional tracks within the health sciences.

“We’re excited to partner with the Medical Alliance on the Health Careers Academy,” said Bea Lurie, president & CEO of Girls Incorporated of Chattanooga. “Not only will the generous $10,000 donation help us fund the camp and open it to girls of all income levels, but the Alliance members will connect us with experts in many health science fields. We also look forward to working with Alliance members on planning and implementing this program.”

The Health Careers Academy is a four-week summer program that introduces high school-aged girls to careers in the health field. Participants will gain awareness of health issues affecting girls and women and learn how to assume health advocacy roles with their peers, families and communities. Professional women in the health fields will be guest speakers that demonstrate the diversity of health careers in the traditional and non-traditional practices. The girls are encouraged to explore careers that interest them and build up mentor/mentee relationships.

“We had the privilege of awarding $10,020 to Girls Inc.  to help fund their 2009 Emma Wheeler Health Careers Academy,” said Carrie Fowler, co-president of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Alliance. “The Health Careers Academy inspires girls to make healthy lifestyle choices and exposes them to both higher education and careers in the medical field. The CHCMSA strives to promote health and wellness in and around the greater Chattanooga area. We believe this Girls Inc. program is a great extension of our mission. We are honored to be working with this worthwhile organization.

The 2008 Health Careers Academy took field trips  to Blood Assurance, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, Solutions Pharmacy, Center for Speech and Hearing, Bridge to Health, Siskin Rehabilitation Hospital, Volunteers in Medicine, Crabtree Farms, Center for Integrated Medicine, Siskin Children’s Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Alexian Brothers .  The Health Careers Academy also has healthy living and exercise components and partnered with Greenlife and the Sports Barn last year.