WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced nearly $100 million in funding to bolster the nation’s health workforce. This initiative is a part of the broader Health Workforce Initiative by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), aimed at addressing critical workforce shortages and improving access to quality care.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the necessity of this investment, noting that the initiative focuses on recruiting, training, and supporting health professionals in underserved and rural communities, where healthcare access is often limited. The funding is set to expand the number of nurses and primary care physicians while enhancing behavioral health support through community-based workforce growth.
Specifically, over $19 million will be directed towards increasing the nursing workforce for acute and long-term care settings across five institutions, including community colleges. Additionally, nearly $12 million is earmarked for boosting the primary care workforce in rural and tribal areas. A significant $63 million will address the opioid crisis by training peer support specialists and community health workers to assist families affected by substance use disorders. Furthermore, $4.6 million will support the integration of mental health care into pediatric services, enabling pediatricians to provide real-time behavioral health support through tele-consultations.
These investments are poised to significantly impact healthcare access in underserved areas by ensuring a well-equipped and diverse healthcare workforce, ultimately improving the quality and reach of healthcare services across the country.
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