Sussex Economic Development Action Committee (SEDAC)
Exploring Educational Investment to Strengthen Healthcare and Economic Growth
The Challenge
Since its founding in 2007, the Sussex Economic Development Action Committee (SEDAC) has been committed to driving sustainable economic growth and creating opportunities across Sussex County, Delaware. Recognizing that healthcare access and workforce shortages are critical barriers to continued progress, SEDAC sought to explore whether developing a College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) could both alleviate physician shortages and stimulate local economic development.
How We Helped
SEDAC engaged Tripp Umbach to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study evaluating the potential establishment of a new College of Osteopathic Medicine in Sussex County. The study combined stakeholder interviews, financial and economic analysis, and workforce projections to assess the region’s readiness and capacity. Tripp Umbach’s research provided data-driven insights into the potential impacts of a medical education campus on healthcare delivery, workforce development, and economic vitality.
The study concluded that a medical education campus in Sussex County could serve as a long-term solution to the region’s physician shortage while significantly boosting the local economy. By investing in education infrastructure and engaging healthcare organizations as active partners, Sussex County can ensure a sustainable healthcare workforce, improved access to care, and continued economic growth—strengthening both community well-being and regional prosperity.