The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has pledged $55.5 million in funding to improve the quality of care by strengthening training for health professionals and increasing the size of the nation’s healthcare workforce.
“These grants and the many training programs they support have a real impact by helping to create innovative care delivery models and improving access to high-quality care,” HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius said.
More than 270 grants will address health workforce needs in nursing, public health, behavioral health, health workforce development, and dentistry. The grants are managed by HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
A majority of the funding, $45.4 million, will support nursing workforce development in the various areas including: increasing the number of nurse faculty, increasing nurse anesthetist traineeships, promoting interprofessional collaborative practice, and supporting advanced nursing education
“These grants cover a wide spectrum of health workforce needs,” said HRSA Administrator Mary Wakefield. “From diversity to dentistry – all are critical to achieving a skilled workforce now and in the future.”
HHS, HRSA, Kathleen Sebelius, Health and Human Services
