A serious shortage of qualified health care professionals is forcing hospitals and health care agencies to undertake costly recruitment and hiring of foreign nurses and other health care professionals to meet staffing needs. Hospitals in Dade County spend from $2,900 to $20,000 per recruit, not including salary. The Health Careers Project for People in Public Housing (HCP) seeks to bridge the educational and training needs of individuals on public assistance with waiting job opportunities in the health care setting. The HCP operates as a partnership between the Medical Center Campus, the Private Industry Council/South Florida Employment Training Consortium, and the Metro-Dade Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Education and training are provided in four program areas: Phlebotomy, Respiratory Therapy Assistant, Medical Record Transcription, and Medical Assistant. The program provides funds for tuition, books, fees, and uniforms, as well as support for child care, transportation, and meal allowances. In addition to academic courses, the program offers follow-up counseling on financial management and provides information on low-mortgage home ownership plans. Following a period of recruitment and orientation, instruction began in October 1990 with a total of 41 students. The 10 students in the 180-hour Phlebotomy program were female, single heads of household who were not employed prior to the program. All 10 students graduated on schedule 2 months later, and 100% were subsequently employed with starting salaries of at least $16,640. A profile of three program graduates, and an enrollment information flyer are included. (PAA)