Concerns about the supply of healthcare workers and the preparation of the next generation of healthcare workers have been growing for several years for a variety of reasons. Last month, Mercer released a report examining expected changes in the U.S. health care workforce, finding that there is expected to be a shortage of 100,000 workers by 2028. The Governor continues to prioritize strengthening the state and territory's health care workforce.
Here are just a few examples of recent state actions.
Arizona: Special efforts to address health worker shortage
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs launched Talent Ready AZ, a workforce initiative that includes a working group on health care. As part of this announcement, Governor Hobbs signed an executive order announcing this initiative and the creation of a Governor's Staff Cabinet. This initiative brings together stakeholders from across state agencies to address workforce development from a comprehensive perspective, with a special focus on rural areas where the need is greatest. Arizona is expected to have an unmet need for about 4,000 physicians by 2032, according to Libby De Bie, CEO of the Arizona Medical Association.
New York: Funding the recruitment and training of healthcare workers across New York.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has awarded three workforce investment organizations to the Career Pathways Training Program, which will recruit and train thousands of new health care workers, mental health workers, and social workers across New York. announced that it would receive the award. The program will also provide new career advancement opportunities for many current health care workers in the state. Participants receive a variety of services to support their education and training, including tuition and textbook payments, tutoring, mentorship, and job readiness support.
Ohio: Mental Health Care Incentive Program
Ohio announced the Great Minds Fellowship Workforce Commitment Incentive Program, created to strengthen the mental health care workforce. Recent college graduates can apply to receive up to $20,000 in funding for their education if they commit to working at one of Ohio's community behavioral health centers for at least one year.
“The demand for mental health services is growing twice as fast as the size of the mental health workforce, and we need the most vulnerable Ohioans to receive the support they need to reach their full potential. It is important that we encourage the best and brightest young people to start careers in these fields.”
Governor Mike DeWine
Texas: High school helps train future health care workers
In Houston, Health Education and Leadership High School launched its first class of ninth graders. The school offers students the opportunity to specialize in a medical field, volunteer, take a part-time position with a local health agency, or earn credits toward a certification. Bloomberg Philanthropies has partnered with the school and nine similar programs aimed at increasing opportunities for students not interested in a four-year degree and developing workforce potential for local hospitals and healthcare organizations. We donated $250 million to help.
Virginia: New roadmap aims to address health care worker shortages and needs
Virginia's new roadmap will help match the supply of clinical workers to demand in the health care sector, as well as regional partnerships with chambers of commerce, the state's community colleges, and various workforce commissions. is intended to establish.
Wisconsin: Task Force addresses challenges facing Wisconsin health care workers
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers' Health Workforce Task Force released a report on August 19 outlining recommendations for the state to address the state's health workforce shortage. The 25-member task force has met six times since March and compiled 10 recommendations, including 26 action items across three broad categories: education and training, recruitment and retention, and regulatory policy.
“Wisconsin has historically had a low unemployment rate and the number of employed Wisconsinites is at an all-time high, but we need to maintain and attract talented workers to address labor shortages in key industries. Wisconsin's decade-long fight to train continues to hold the state back. This action plan will bring more people into the health care workforce and give Wisconsinites the care they need and the lives they deserve. It helps ensure that you receive quality.”
Governor Tony Evers
The NGA Best Practices Center is committed to assisting the Governor's Office and other state officials in implementing strategies to strengthen and grow the next generation of health care workers. By learning directly from experts in other states and countries, states and territories can increase their understanding of innovative, evidence-based policies, programs, and practices to create a positive environment for the permanent health workforce. Deepen it. learn more.
