CVS Health has recently opened a new facility in Baton Rouge that is focused on helping the community overcome employment barriers and increase access to local health care services. The facility, located on Essen Lane, includes a workforce innovation and talent center (WITC) that provides career skills training and job placement. This center is a first-of-its-kind hybrid for CVS Health and will serve as a model for future locations across the U.S.
The WITC/CRC site offers a simulated pharmacy environment and hands-on externships at local CVS Pharmacy locations. The goal is to bridge the gap between career training and health services to help individuals secure stable employment. This effort aligns with the Louisiana Department of Health’s report that increased access to employment and career training programs can improve health outcomes.
One example of this partnership is between Big Buddy Baton Rouge and CVS Health through the Mayor’s Youth Workforce Experience, which provides valuable workforce development environments and hands-on job training to the future workforce. CVS Pharmacy locations in Baton Rouge have been hosting summer externs from the youth workforce program for the past three years, giving over 50 high school students the opportunity to gain workforce experience.
Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome recognizes the importance of public-private partnerships in driving positive change and creating opportunities for the community. She stated, “Public-private partnerships are essential in creating sustainable solutions that benefit everyone in our community.” This new facility represents a commitment by CVS Health to help individuals overcome barriers and achieve success in their professional and personal lives.
Overall, the new CVS Health facility in Baton Rouge aims to support the community by providing essential resources for career development and access to health care services. By offering career skills training, job placement, simulated pharmacy environment, hands-on externships, this initiative represents a significant investment in the future of Baton Rouge’s youth workforce development program
