SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Volunteers and Friends of Regional West has awarded a record amount of scholarships to students enrolled for the coming year in local nursing and health care education programs.

A total of $40,000 in scholarships was awarded to 40 students at the University of Nebraska College of Nursing, West Nebraska Division and the Regional West School of Radiologic Technology. The one-year scholarships varied in amounts of $500, $1000, and $1500.

Scholarship funds are raised through proceeds from the  Regional West Gift Shop, The Emporium coffee cart at Regional West, and the organization’s book and jewelry sales.

“By supporting The Gift Shop, Emporium Coffee Cart, and events, our community and staff help many area students complete their education. Most of these students stay in area and provide health care at regional hospitals and clinics so actually, we all benefit,” said Pat McCabe, president of the Volunteers and Friends of Regional West.

The Volunteers and Friends of Regional West scholarships are available annually to nursing students enrolled at Western Nebraska Community College,the University of Nebraska College of Nursing, West Nebraska Division, and Regional West School of Radiologic Technology. Application forms are available at the schools. The application deadline is July of each year.

For more information about the scholarship program or to become a Regional West volunteer, visit www.rwhs.org.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-bed regional referral center and one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the state. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. With nearly 300 providers, and over 2,000 employees, Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.