Simply Healthcare Plans (Simply) announced a donation of $75,000 to the Tampa Bay-based non-profit, Brain Expansions Scholastic Training (B.E.S.T), to support the organization’s Healthcare Entry Careers and Economic Mobility Initiative. The funding will expand the initiative’s medical skills training and mentorship offerings to underrepresented minority (URM) students to help increase access to career pathways in healthcare.The Healthcare Entry Careers and Economic Mobility Initiative aims to address the public health crisis of healthcare worker shortages within Tampa Bay. By facilitating access to career pathways for URM students, B.E.S.T. is also providing critical tools for both individuals and their communities to thrive.The B.E.S.T. Organization has three primary goals for participants: exposure to career certification programs, connection to a robust mentor network, and ongoing practical guidance, professional development, and career navigation to ensure successful entry and retention into the healthcare workforce.Simply’s donation was announced during the B.E.S.T. Summer Medical Academy Induction Ceremony, held at the University of South Florida in Tampa. The ceremony marks the launch of the B.E.S.T. Summer Medical Academy, where program participants receive rigorous, hands-on experience to better understand the functions of hospital departments.
This latest donation reflects Simply’s unwavering commitment to supporting urgent need initiatives to help build and maintain a strong network of care providers. Skilled Health Care Statewide. This donation will directly impact the lives of future healthcare professionals and will support the program’s infrastructure, improve access to learning resources, and provide more scholarships for participants.B.E.S.T., founded and led by Dr. Dexter Frederick, is a community-based initiative in Tampa Bay that seeks to close the gap in health care disparities by building the workforce. group of health care professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds.“Simply is committed to strengthening Florida’s workforce through the implementation of innovative solutions that can increase access to care in underserved communities,”
“Through our partnership with B.E.S.T., we’re able to provide training in communities where it’s needed most.”
Holly Prince, President, Simply.
By investing in community efforts that address critical priorities across the state, Simply is committed to playing a central role in the health and well-being of Floridians. This includes efforts in mental health, maternal and child health, disease management, secondary education, workforce development, rural health, and more.“The support from Simply is invaluable to the success of B.E.S.T. This donation allows us to expand our program’s reach, providing more students with the resources they need to thrive in the health profession,”
“By offering medical skills training and mentorship, we are not only helping individuals but also cultivating a diverse healthcare workforce that better represents the communities we serve. We are grateful for Simply’s commitment to empowering future healthcare leaders.”
Dr. Dexter Frederick
