Transforming Healthcare through Agency, Advocacy and Equity

As Pierce County’s population continues to grow, access to quality healthcare is more important than ever.

At the same time, the United States faces a nursing shortage driven by an aging workforce and higher turnover, a challenge that also impacts our region. Data from Workforce Central shows that within the next five years, the South Sound could face a shortage of nearly 7,000 nurses. This gap could lead to higher healthcare costs, longer wait times and increased burnout across the system — challenges that will only grow as demand rises with an aging population.

At the University of Washington Tacoma’s inaugural Healthcare Symposium, voices from across campus and the community came together to share research, resources and real-world examples of transformative healthcare in action in the South Sound.

The vision for a healthcare-focused gathering at UW Tacoma has been taking shape for more than a year, said David Reyes, MPH, RN, Dean of the School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership, who also noted that this event is happening at a pivotal moment for our healthcare system. 

“Today's event is not just about ideas, but about learning,” Reyes said in his welcoming remarks to attendees. “It's about thinking across perspectives, thinking together and how we can move forward in a way that brings meaning and thoughtfulness, grounds us in connection and achieves what we hope for: an equitable health system.”

A central theme of the gathering was the importance of working together to ensure everyone can access quality healthcare, regardless of where they live or their economic circumstances.

In a panel discussion focused on strengthening the future of healthcare in the South Sound, featured speakers included: Patty Hayes, MN, RN, UW alumna and Chair of the Washington State Board of Health; Dr. Nora Kenworthy, Professor of health studies at UW Bothell School of Nursing & Health Studies; Dr. Suha Ballout, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at the UW School of Nursing in Seattle; and JanMarie Ward, MPA, Director and Principal of Seven Generations Strategies LLC and a senior public health policy and project adviser to the American Indian Health Commission for Washington state.

During a poster session, students and faculty showcased timely research: from supporting brain health in older adults through community engagement, to how faculty are using artificial intelligence (AI) in nursing education, to a project addressing the youth mental health crisis by implementing Teen Mental Health First Aid in Tacoma Public Schools. The range of presentations highlighted the many ways the UW Tacoma School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership is partnering with the community to improve health and wellness across the South Sound.

The event concluded with a discussion in which attendees joined the panelists to explore how AI's growing influence is shaping healthcare and how healthcare professionals can harness its potential to improve patient outcomes while keeping trust and human connection at the center of their work. Dean Reyes closed the conversation by underscoring the importance of individual and collective values, sharing knowledge and centering “humanity in the care of others.”
 

Couldn’t make it to the event? You can watch a recording of the panel discussion and audience Q&A below.

Advance your impact in nursing and healthcare. At UW Tacoma’s School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to improve health outcomes and strengthen your community. Explore our programs and take the next step in your career.