Hunterdon County Vocational School District (HCVSD) recognizes Hunterdon Health, based in Flemington, as its 2025 Business Partner of the Year. For more than a decade, Hunterdon Health has demonstrated exceptional dedication to strengthening educational pathways across the district’s programs. What began as a supportive relationship with individual programs has grown into a districtwide partnership benefiting all schools: Hunterdon County Polytech, the Hunterdon County Academies and Adult and Continuing Education.
This multi-faceted partnership has touched hundreds of students and created a strong pipeline of skilled graduates. Many HCVSD alumni have gone on to work at Hunterdon Health, reflecting both the organization’s investment in young professionals and the district’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers.
Hunterdon Health has made a significant impact on the education of HCVSD’s high school students by providing guest speakers to share professional insights and hosting engaging educational events for both the Biomedical Sciences Academy and Polytech’s Healthcare Science program. Most recently, the health system launched a job shadowing program and opened it to HCVSD students, providing an important opportunity that allows them to observe clinical settings, interact with healthcare professionals and explore future career pathways.
For over 10 years, Kim Blanda, director of community relations for Hunterdon Health, has maintained the strong link between Hunterdon Health and HCVSD. She has served as a dedicated member of the Biomedical Sciences Academy Advisory Board, helping teachers and students stay connected to evolving industry needs. Her leadership and outreach have brought invaluable community resources to the Academy, strengthening the curriculum and deepening students’ exposure to healthcare careers.
Hunterdon Health also supports Adult and Continuing Education students by generously opening its facilities to host Phlebotomy classes and provide students with access to authentic clinical environments. The hospital also donated expired phlebotomy supplies, including tubes, specimen samples and arm bands so that students can practice essential hands-on skills. In addition, Hunterdon Health routinely sends its own employees to HCVSD’s Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program, reinforcing the mutual benefits of shared workforce development goals.
“HCVSD is grateful for the long-standing relationship and amazing level of support that Hunterdon Health has provided to our health-related programs of study,” said Dr. Todd Bonsall, superintendent of HCVSD. He further noted how the relationship is mutually beneficial: “Numerous distinguished graduates of our district have gone on to work at Hunterdon Health. We are happy to be able to help fulfill the pipeline of skilled individuals to meet the needs of one of the largest employers in Hunterdon County.”
