Larson Announces $1 Million in New Federal Funding to Expand Harriott Community Healthcare Academy in Blue Hills, Bloomfield, and Across Connecticut

Larson requested funding for the new facility as part of this year's Community Project Funding (CPF) process, securing bipartisan supportfor the project, to expand access to the training needed to equip the next generation of nursing assistants. The funding will help secure locations in other towns in the Greater Hartford area and hire certified teachers to increase the number of students at the academy.

"We are facing a nationwide nursing shortage and should be doing everything we can to support health care providers and the next generation of nursing assistants," said Larson. "Sasa Harriott has created a model for the nation, equipping students with the skills they need to enter the nursing field and provide the care patients deserve. This new federal funding will broaden the program's reach into our rural communities, ensuring individuals have the job training opportunities and access to care they need. I have been proud to support this groundbreaking work and will work with Sasa and our state and local partners to deliver federal funding and continue to expand this amazing program across the state."

The Academy is a STEM simulation lab and educational facility that offers Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training and certification. In less than five weeks, students can become licensed CNAs. The program provides mentorship, career counseling, and wrap-around support. With this new federal investment, Harriott will expand into Bloomfield and rural areas of Northwestern Connecticut.

"This investment is about people, opportunity, and healthier communities. We are grateful to Congressman John Larson for making it possible to expand access to care and create meaningful pathways into the healthcare workforce," said Sasa Harriott, President of the Harriott Community Health Initiative.

In August, Larson attended the graduation ceremony for 72 new CNAswho had completed their program at the Academy. This announcement comes as Connecticut faces a severe healthcare workforce shortage. In Congress, Larson introduced the Pathways to Health Careers Act with his Democratic colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee, a comprehensive plan to address the nationwide health care worker shortage, authorizing and increasing funding for the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) program, including his HOPE Act.