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Phoenix Holds Job Event For Laid-Off St. Luke’s Medical Center Hospital Workers

Phoenix is holding a hiring event for employees out of work due to the recent closure of St. Luke’s Medical Center in the city.

The hospital closed after a century in business, and 400 employees lost their jobs.

The owner, Steward Health Care, said in a letter to the state Department of Economic Security that about 255 other employees would be offered a transfer to another site within its system.

Robert Stenson, business and workforce development supervisor at the city of Phoenix, said his office met with some St. Luke’s employees in the weeks leading up to the closure.

“They had a lot of individuals who were there for over 10 years, over 20 years. Some were 30 and 40 years. And finding a job is something that’s stressful,” he said. “And so we’re just trying to make that an easier process, particularly during the holidays.”

Next week’s hiring event is Thursday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m. at GateWay Community College’s Central City Campus, but you don't have to be a Phoenix resident to attend. The event will feature health care companies specifically.

Stenson also said there’s funding available for job training for former St. Luke’s staff. 

“They have the distinction of being called ‘dislocated workers,’ and that opens up federal grant dollars,” he said. “So if somebody [is] a certified nurse or a med tech and wants an additional credential, this is a great time to have that paid for.”

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Bret Jaspers was a senior field correspondent at KJZZ from 2017 to 2020.