HHS announces more ARP funds for healthcare workforce

The Biden administration has awarded even more American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds aimed at reducing burnout and promoting mental health and wellness among the nation’s healthcare workforce.

According to a news release, $103 million in funds have been awarded to improve retention by funding evidence-informed programs, practices, and training with a specific focus on practices in underserved and rural areas. The money will be given to 45 different grantees.

“I have traveled to many health centers across the country and know that the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified issues that have long been a source of stress for frontline health care workers — from increased patient volumes to long working hours,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra says in the release. “This funding reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensuring we have enough critical frontline workers by supporting health care providers now and beyond as they face burnout and mental health challenges. We will continue to promote the well-being of those who have made so many sacrifices to keep others well.”

The rates of depression and anxiety among healthcare workers have only been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic as staff member suffering the physical and emotional demands of treating patients during a public health emergency. The ARP money will fund the creation of partnerships and utilization of local resources to support healthcare professionals’ response to workplace stressors, the release says.

“Now more than ever, it is critical to support the well-being of our health care workforce, who are working every day to protect each of us,” Health Resources and Services Administration Administrator Carole Johnson says in the release. “Today’s awards will provide new tools to help support our health professionals’ resilience as they continue to face the stress and challenges of responding to COVID-19 and other health care needs and provide high quality care.”

The awards will be made through three programs:

• Promoting Resilience and Mental Health Among Health Professional Workforce - $26.8 million will go to 10 grantees to help healthcare organizations to establish, improve, or expand programs and practices to promote mental health and well-being among healthcare workers
• Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Training Program - $68.2 million will go to 34 grantees to support tailored evidence-informed training development with the medical profession and nursing training activities
• Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Technical Assistance Center - $6 million will go to George Washington University to provide tailored training and technical assistance to other awardees