It's difficult to fully appreciate the value of quality health care until you or a loved one personally experience illness. For many years I've worked with health care and educational professionals across the state to address a looming crisis: the shortage of Oregon health care workers. But last March, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, the need for well prepared workers became an immediate and personal concern for me.

I've seen the statistics quantifying this crisis. But the numbers truly became real as I began interacting daily with these professionals, getting to know them and their personal stories. In my own treatment, I've seen the talent and dedication of physicians, nurses, medical imaging technologists, clinical laboratory scientists and physical therapists, among others. I've been impressed with their high level of professionalism and the communication skills used to help me understand my diagnosis and treatment options.

From the "comfort" of my hospital bed, I've had the opportunity to recruit more than one certified nursing assistant into Oregon Health & Science University's Statewide Nursing Program. My colleagues accuse me of continuing to focus on the education of others instead of my own recovery. But what I know for sure is that both are intertwined, not just for my health but for that of my family, friends and neighbors.

Most of us have heard or seen media reports about the nation's nursing shortage, but Oregonians need to be aware of the wide spectrum of professions needed to sustain the health of our citizens. To help meet that need,

Oregon Institute of Technology is poised to open the first wing of its new Oregon Center for Health Professions on Sept. 12. When the Legislature sited the center on OIT's Klamath Falls campus in 2005, it acknowledged that the university is the state's lone provider of bachelor's degree programs in specific areas in which there is a shortage of health care workers.

Over the course of five years, OIT plans to increase its health professions enrollment by more than 700 students. These graduates will be the replacement workforce for the growing tide of retiring professionals, helping to offset the need for new, highly skilled medical professionals as Oregon's largest population demographic enters its golden years.

The work, however, is not complete. The Legislature did not award OIT the funding necessary this year to complete the health professions center, despite outstanding contributions by the employers of our graduates and other supporters across Oregon and the Northwest to raise the required matching funds. What needs to be emphasized is this: OIT is Oregon's polytechnic university. Its growth and success are vital steps in meeting health care shortages and improving the economic development and sustainable nature of the state.

It's been said that one person's circle of influence can be extrapolated to thousands of individuals. The next time you have an X ray or an ultrasound, ask the technician where he or she was educated. You'll most likely learn that OIT's circle of influence includes millions. It touches the lives of every resident of Oregon and our border states. And now it's deeply touched mine as well.