The School of Health Professions as a Catalyst for Hope and Resilience

Life in the Western Negev has been turned upside down. After the devastation of war, the people here are dealing with more than just physical wounds, all while trying to rebuild their lives, their communities, and gain a sense of stability.

But with healthcare stretched thin and growing needs everywhere, it's clear that recovery will take more than temporary solutions. What's needed is something that lasts—an effort that can bring real, lasting change.

That's why Sapir College and Hebrew University have come together. They're not just teaching future healthcare workers; they're helping shape people who truly understand this community's challenges. It's about rebuilding trust, restoring hope, and giving the people here a real chance to move forward and thrive.

The New School’s Role in Regional Recovery

The Western Negev is still trying to heal after the devastation of the war. With too few healthcare professionals and obvious growing demand for services, rebuilding the region’s healthcare system is critical. 

It is necessary not just to meet immediate needs but to create lasting stability.

That’s where the new School of Health Professions comes in. 

This collaboration between Sapir College and the Hebrew University is designed to fill the gap by training future healthcare providers right here in the region. 

By learning and working locally, these students are more likely to stay and serve their communities, helping to close the healthcare shortage and strengthen regional resilience.

Studies back this up. 

A review by the NIH on new medical schools in underserved areas found that training students locally keeps more doctors in the region, improves access to care, and fosters stronger ties between schools and communities. 

With programs like student clinics and hands-on engagement, the school can make an immediate difference.

But the impact goes beyond healthcare. 

The school will create jobs, boost research, and attract investment, offering a much-needed lifeline to the local economy. 

Most importantly, it will restore hope and rebuild a stronger, healthier future for the Western Negev.

In addition, it allows experimentation with new treatments and medical approaches. 

Trauma-Informed Care: A New Approach to Local Health Challenges

Years of living with conflict and uncertainty have left many residents with emotional wounds that go beyond physical health. Addressing these complex needs requires a different kind of care - one that considers the lasting impact of trauma on daily life.

The School of Health Professions is introducing a trauma-informed approach to healthcare, ensuring students learn how to provide care that goes beyond treating symptoms. This means understanding patients’ experiences and creating an environment of trust and support that promotes real healing.

To further strengthen this effort, the school is establishing research centers focused on trauma and hope. These centers will not only foster new mental health solutions but also position the school as a leader in addressing post-crisis healthcare challenges.
By combining education with research, the school is building more than healthcare providers—it’s fostering a generation that will help the Western Negev recover and rebuild with resilience.

Inspiring Resilience Through Health Education

The conditions in the Negev require more than healthcare workers. They call for leaders who can help rebuild and inspire. The School of Health Professions is creating exactly that.

The students will get hands-on experience by working alongside local healthcare providers and helping real people while they train.
This way, they're not only learning, but they're making a difference right from the start.
This shows that the school's approach goes beyond the basics.
Small-group learning, problem-solving exercises, and cutting-edge tools like telemedicine and AI are all part of the mix. By focusing on practical, forward-thinking education, students will be ready to handle real-life challenges with confidence and creativity.

Sapir College is aiming to create a significant ripple effect. Graduates will take what they learn and strengthen the resilience of their communities, helping the region recover and thrive. This is education that builds not only more profound careers but also creates a stronger future.

How the School Will Strengthen Community Ties

Students at the School of Health Professions will be more than learners. They’ll become active and influential participants in shaping the community’s future.

A big part of learning will come from students rolling up their sleeves and working on real health projects shaped by the community. Research shows that when students take on challenges raised by local partners, like in a study from the University of Minnesota, it doesn’t just teach them important skills—it often sparks a lifelong commitment to public health. By combining theoretical studies with real-world experiences, students will learn about healthcare and become part of the solution.

This approach builds something deeper than knowledge: trust, connection, and a shared effort to create a healthier future for everyone.

With these strong connections, the school aims to do more than graduate healthcare providers - it aims to create a network of professionals committed to the long-term well-being of the Western Negev.

Be a catalyst of hope

Sapir College's School of Health Professions is more than an educational institution - it’s a lifeline for a region in need of healing, resilience, and renewal.

By supporting this effort, you can help create lasting change, from training future healthcare leaders to improving access to vital services. Your contribution will directly impact the lives of countless families, fostering a healthier, stronger Western Negev. 
Join us in this mission to rebuild and inspire hope—together, we can shape a better future for future generations.