Contact Information: Upland Hills Health Community Relations
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DODGEVILLE (March 7, 2005) -- In 2001 Larry Jackson’s life changed in an instant, when the battery plant he worked at for 28 years closed -- just two years shy of his full pension.

The closing forced Jackson and 280 other Exide Battery workers in Burlington, Iowa, to search for new jobs.

“Over the years, the plant went through five buy-outs, and there were always rumors about closings,” Jackson said. He knew the plant was aging and costs were increasing, but he hoped the plant in southeast Iowa would remain open long enough to obtain his “30-year-and-out” retirement benefits.

“I never thought I’d be faced with a job transition,” Jackson says. Then, at age 47, married with three grown children, Jackson had difficult choices to make.

Fast forward to 2005. Today, Jackson is a radiology technician at Upland Hills Health, helping doctors better diagnose conditions, and he’s enjoying a new career and interactions with hospital patients, Jackson recently told Brian Bull of National Public Radio in an interview regarding career changes toward healthcare.

 “Seeing there was a big demand in the radiology technology field, it was a whole new perspective to look at,” he said in the broadcast.

Bull’s story aired nationwide, featuring Jackson, employment and healthcare experts talking about how Wisconsin was solving problems of manufacturing layoffs with education, describing how the health industry is right for qualified workers.

The story was also picked up by NBC-15 News, Madison, coinciding with a report recently released by the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA), which says hospitals could see major workforce shortages within the next decade. This shortage could translate into higher health care costs as hospitals compete for new workers and offer richer benefit plans to keep employees.

The WHA report provides a sobering view of the future, as the aging of Wisconsin’s population delivers a one-two punch to hospitals. First, an older population requires more health care services, and second, at the same time the hospital workforce is aging -- retirements over the next decade will outstrip the number of candidates qualified to take their places in the workforce.

Jackson researched employment outlooks. Prior to getting laid off and at his wife’s encouragement, he had already been attending night classes. He was accepted and excelled in the two-year radiology technician program at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa.

He joined Upland Hills Health’s weekender program in 2004. “My job is to take the best possible x-rays, which help the radiologist and doctors in determining the highest level of care to meet the patients required needs,” Jackson says.

Larry’s immediate supervisor is pleased to have Jackson on staff. “He brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the department. He’s always eager to see new things and meet new people.

“He has an excellent work ethic, which is due in part to his age, but also the realities of today’s society and economy. I’m glad he’s part of our staff. He fits right in with us and our communities,” says Lynnette Collins, Director of Radiology Services.

Looking back, Jackson believes a positive attitude is important. “You have to be open minded. You have to pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get on with your life,” Jackson said in the taped broadcast.

The NPR “All Things Considered” story was entitled, “Wisconsin Works to Remedy Labor Woes.” A series of similar stories, “Take Two: Life Changes” in February told about Americans reinventing themselves through work, moving from job to job – and career to career – as never before. To listen to the series, visit www.npr.org.