Des Moines University Geriatric Education Center Consortium

The Geriatric Education Center is now part of a consortium of members. Along with Des Moines University, the consortium comprises:

• Des Moines Area Community College
• Grand View College
• Mercy/Mayo Family Practice Residency Program
• Methodist Manor Retirement Community

Assisting organizations include:

• Aging Resources of Central Iowa
• Behavioral Health Resources
• Community Housing Development Corporation
• Department of Veteran Affairs
• Drake University
• Iowa Department of Elder Affairs
• Iowa Foundation for Medical Care
• Iowa State University
• Lakeview Center for Senior Health

History of the GEC

Former Des Moines University President and CEO, Richard M. Ryan, Jr. had a vision of creating a new multifaceted model for helping meet the needs of Iowa's older citizens and encouraged and supported various activities among the faculty and staff to further this goal.

In 2000, Senator Tom Harkin was instrumental in obtaining funding to establish the Des Moines University Geriatric Education Center (DMU-GEC) that serves central Iowa.

The DMU-GEC was established in October 2001 to provide education, training opportunities and continuing education for health professionals, to enhance the availability and quality of health care for older adults and to maintain and improve the health and quality of life for older Iowans.

Former Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad, who has been named President and CEO of DMU, has pledged his commitment to furthering the work of the DMU-GEC.

In July 2003 Des Moines University received a $1.8 million federal grant for a new Geriatric Education Center program - the Des Moines University Geriatric Education Center Consortium. The funding is provided through the Bureau of Health Professions, Health Resources and Services Administration over a five-year period. 

 

 

 

Counties with Health Care Staffing Needs

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