New Coalition Tackles Nursing Shortage Threatening Healthcare Access in Inglewood and Compton

A new coalition of education and healthcare leaders has launched the Los Angeles County Nursing 2035 Initiative to address a growing nursing shortage that directly impacts healthcare access in Inglewood, Compton, and surrounding communities. The comprehensive effort aims to increase the number of trained nursing professionals in the region to prevent what officials describe as a potential “care crisis” as the population ages and current nurses retire.

Los Angeles County faces a significant healthcare staffing challenge, with current projections showing approximately 6,454 job openings for Registered Nurses each year through 2035, but only 5,363 qualified graduates entering the field annually. This leaves a gap of nearly 1,100 unfilled nursing positions each year, according to data from Lightcast research cited by initiative leaders.

For residents of Inglewood and Compton, this shortage could translate to longer wait times at local healthcare facilities, reduced access to preventive care, and potential quality of care concerns as existing nursing staff face increased workloads.

“Los Angeles County is facing two equally impactful events occurring simultaneously, a growing and aging population and healthcare professionals approaching retirement. As a result, we are staring down a critical nursing shortage that directly impacts the quality of healthcare available to our diverse communities,” said Dr. Keith Curry, President and CEO of Compton College, one of the initiative’s founding partners.

The collaborative effort began with Compton College and the California State University system before expanding to include the Los Angeles Regional Consortium representing all 19 Los Angeles County community colleges, the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, California Competes, and the County’s Department of Economic Opportunity.

This regional approach is particularly significant for local residents, as both Compton College and nearby El Camino College offer nursing programs that serve as important educational pathways for Inglewood and Compton students pursuing healthcare careers.

Dr. Luis Dorado, President of Los Angeles Harbor College and Co-Chair of the Los Angeles Regional Consortium, emphasized the initiative’s focus on educational pathways: “This effort is about breaking down barriers and forging stronger connections between community colleges and four-year institutions. Our goal is to increase BSN access while maintaining the high standards of nursing education that our students and communities deserve.”

A key component of the initiative is the production of a data-driven report with recommendations for expanding nursing education capacity and strengthening regional workforce partnerships. The Los Angeles County Nursing 2035 Report, scheduled for completion this fall, will provide workforce projections, strategic goals, and key policy and budget recommendations at both state and local levels.

For Inglewood and Compton residents considering or currently pursuing nursing careers, the initiative could lead to expanded educational opportunities, more accessible pathways between two-year and four-year nursing programs, and increased employment options within the local healthcare system.

California currently ranks 40th in the nation in registered nurses per capita, according to the Community College League of California, highlighting the urgency of addressing this workforce gap, particularly in underserved communities.

The collaborative is expected to continue implementing the report’s findings and driving changes in the region’s nursing workforce through 2035, with potential benefits for both healthcare access and employment opportunities throughout Inglewood, Compton, and greater Los Angeles.

This story draws on information from a press release issued by the Los Angeles County Nursing 2035 Initiative partners.