A new Digital Home Care Simulation Lab has opened at the University of Massachusetts Boston, marking a first-of-its-kind training space in the state dedicated to preparing nurses for care in home and community settings.

The lab, made possible through $3 million in federal funding secured by Congressman Stephen Lynch, was officially opened on May 12 with a ribbon-cutting attended by UMass leaders, faculty, and students. The immersive facility uses advanced video imaging to simulate real-world home and public environments where nurses may provide care—such as living rooms, playgrounds, and transportation hubs.

Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco called the project “a very big deal for UMass Boston,” emphasizing its role in training a workforce ready to meet the needs of an aging and diverse population. Congressman Lynch added, “Nurses are the backbone of our health care system,” noting that the new lab will expand both opportunity and innovation in nursing education. Read the full story here.