Kiggans, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Discuss Healthcare Workforce Challenges, Tour Regional Health Professions Center at TCC

Kiggans, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Discuss Healthcare Workforce Challenges, Tour Regional Health Professions Center at TCC October 15, 2026 | Press Releases VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) welcomed U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to Virginia’s Second District for a tour of Tidewater Community College’s (TCC) Regional Health Professions Center and a healthcare roundtable with local professionals and industry stakeholders. The visit focused on addressing the healthcare workforce shortage and improving recruitment and retention, as well as expanding access to high-quality healthcare throughout the region. Prior to the roundtable, Congresswoman Kiggans and Secretary Kennedy toured the Regional Health Professions Center to see firsthand how TCC is educating and training the next generation of healthcare professionals. The facility opened in 2012 and boasts state-of-the-art medical equipment to give students hands-on experience to prepare them for a variety of jobs in the healthcare field. Congresswoman Kiggans said , “As a geriatric nurse practitioner, access to quality, efficient care starts with having a competent and well-trained workforce. Every day, TCC is preparing the next generation of young men and women to enter the healthcare profession with the skills and experience they need to succeed. As staffing shortages continue to impact communities across our nation, investing in these programs is critical to ensure patients receive the timely care they deserve. I’m grateful to Secretary Kennedy for visiting Coastal Virginia to see firsthand the important role institutions like TCC play in preparing students for the real-world challenges of patient care.” Following the tour, Congresswoman Kiggans and Secretary Kennedy participated in a roundtable discussion with local healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders to hear about the challenges facing Coastal Virginia’s healthcare workforce. “These conversations inform the work I do in Washington every day,” said Kiggans . “These men and women have firsthand experience training future healthcare professionals, and it’s incredibly important that we hear their concerns to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed. I’m thankful to Secretary Kennedy for coming to Virginia’s Second District, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Secretary and HHS to identify practical solutions that address the challenges facing our healthcare professionals and the patients they serve.” As a geriatric nurse practitioner and Vice Co-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus, Congresswoman Kiggans remains committed to supporting legislation and initiatives that strengthen healthcare education and workforce development. Background: In May 2025, Rep. Kiggans joined her Congressional Nursing Caucus colleagues in introducing the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 , a bill to address the national nursing workforce shortage by supporting educational programs across the country. Read the press release here . In May 2025, Rep. Kiggans introduced the Magnifying Opportunities to Recruit and Educate (MORE) Nurses Act alongside Congressman Jim Acosta (CA-21). This bill directs the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education to investigate policy solutions and federal programs that can aid in resolving the issue. Read the press release here . In January 2025, Rep. Kiggans introduced the PRECEPT Nurses Act , a bipartisan bill that would address our country’s nursing shortage by establishing a $2,000 tax credit for nurses who serve as a clinical preceptor to nursing students. Read her press release here .