CU–Bloomsburg’s McCormick Center Reimagined to Train Future CRNAs

The newly renovated McCormick Center at Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg is now a cutting-edge hub for hands-on learning, especially for students pursuing careers as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). 

At a recent rededication ceremony, Dr. Debra Minzola—Program Director of the Geisinger/Bloomsburg Nurse Anesthesia Program, Associate Professor of Nursing, and current President of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA)—joined university leaders to showcase the center’s upgrades. Alongside Bryan Kapish, CRNA, Clinical Coordinator for the program, Dr. Minzola demonstrated the use of the Anatomage table, a high-tech virtual dissection tool, to Senator Dave McCormick and other guests. 

This renovation marks a major milestone for CU–Bloomsburg, reinforcing its commitment to workforce readiness through immersive, applied learning experiences. The McCormick Center now stands as a symbol of innovation and excellence in healthcare education. 

Read more from CU–Bloomsburg: https://www.commonwealthu.edu/news/mccormick-center-reimagined-hub-hands-learning-and-workforce-readiness

Bridging Tradition and Care: A Muscogee Creek CRNA’s Journey to Transform Tribal Health

Being an Indigenous provider means honoring my Muscogee Creek heritage and serving my community through healthcare. Though I wasn’t raised on the reservation, my grandmother and great aunt nurtured my connection to our traditions and identity. Their love laid the foundation I carry with me today. 

My tribe’s values—fortitude, service, and community—have guided me through my education and career. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has shown incredible resilience, including building its own health system, but health disparities persist. Native people face lower life expectancy, higher chronic disease rates, and limited access to care. 

With less than 1% of healthcare providers identifying as Native, representation matters. I strive to build trust, treat the whole person, and show the next generation they belong in these spaces too. 

I’m proud to be part of a growing movement to strengthen tribal health and to honor my family and community through this work. 

Brittany Harris, CNP, CRNA, a recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing's DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program. Brittany continues serving patients in Philadelphia as a Temple Fox Chase Cancer Center CRNA.

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