Kewanee Community Unit School District #229 has teamed up with OSF HealthCare Saint Luke Medical Center to strengthen its new Certified Nursing Assistant program. OSF HealthCare has donated essential medical equipment, including two Stryker hospital beds, wheelchairs, a clinical lift system, and various medical supplies, to support students’ hands-on clinical experience. Kewanee High School’s training lab now features industry-standard tools, allowing students to practice real-world healthcare skills. These additions enable students to practice hands-on patient care—from safe transfers to bedside assessment—using equipment found in modern healthcare settings. Principal Amanda Tidwell and Academic Advisor Heather Olalde have partnered with Black Hawk College to launch a CNA program for the 2026-2027 school year, with instruction by veteran nurse Tara Hewitt. The program will prepare students for state CNA certification and provide a foundation for broader health science pathways, supporting future careers in nursing and allied health professions.
