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The federal government is driving the expansion of training programs, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare has announced more than $ 155 million in awards to 72 Educational Health Centers that operate primary care and dental training programs. These programs include highly-needed disciplines such as psychiatry.
Managed through the Office of Health Resources and Resources (HRSA), this award is funded by the US Rescue Planning Act 2021 and Fiscal Year 2022 funding.
HHS Secretary Xavier Besera has assembled this move as an important part of the government’s plan to address health inequality in poorly serviced and vulnerable communities.
“We will continue to expand our primary care workforce supply line to help meet the needs of our communities,” said Besera.
Carol Johnson, HRSA administrator, said the effort will help strengthen the workforce in primary care and mental health.
“The American Rescue Plan was a breakthrough that helped grow this important program, best reflect the communities in need of these resources, and build a workforce to serve.” Johnson said.
What is the impact
The award includes the $ 135 million American Rescue Plan Fund to help existing and new health centers create additional resident positions. In addition, the $ 20 million fund for Fiscal Year 2022 will support the existing Educational Health Center Graduate School of Medicine Education and Training Program to continue resident training in the next academic year.
HRSA’s Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program focuses on supporting residents in primary care residency training programs to meet the medical and mental health care needs of rural and poorly serviced communities. Currently, it includes more than 970 full-time residents.
Previous HRSA investments under the American Rescue Plan have helped plan and develop additional primary care training programs for health centers.
Big trend
This is not the first time the current administration has promoted the expansion of residents. In December, the Medicare and Medicaid Service Centers distributed 1,000 new medical training slots to hospitals servicing rural and poorly serviced communities.
The position of the additional training program is to address the labor shortage of hospitals, especially those that serve rural and poorly serviced communities.
Dr. Mina Seshamani, director of the Medicare Center, states that doctors are most likely to practice in areas with residents.
In a statement, Seshamani said, “By training additional residents in areas of greatest need, we will not only increase the number of providers in poorly serviced areas, but also address the specific needs of these communities. You can also understand and train on your own. ” ..
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