Governors Address Healthcare Labor Shortages

Concerns about healthcare workforce supply and preparing the next generation of the healthcare workforce have been building for several years for a variety of reasons. Last month, Mercer released a report examining projected changes to the U.S. healthcare workforce, finding an anticipated shortage of 100,000 workers by 2028. Governors continue to prioritize strengthening State and Territory healthcare workforces.

Here are just a few examples of recent state actions:

Arizona: Special Initiative to Address Healthcare Workforce Shortages

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has launched Talent Ready AZ, a workforce initiative that includes a working group on healthcare. As part of this announcement, Governor Hobbs signed an executive order announcing the initiative and creating the Governor's Workforce Cabinet. The initiative will bring together stakeholders from across state agencies to address workforce development from a comprehensive perspective and include a special focus on rural areas with the highest need. Arizona expects an unmet need for about 4,000 physicians by 2032, according to Libby De Bie, CEO of the Arizona Medical Association.

New York:Funding for Recruiting and Training Health Care Workers Across New York

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced three Workforce Investment Organizations will receive awards to implement the Career Pathways Training Program, which will recruit and train thousands of new health care, mental health and social workers across New York. This program will also provide new career advancement opportunities to many current health care workers throughout the State. Participants will receive a range of services to assist their education and training, such as payments for tuition program fees and textbooks, tutoring, mentorship, and job readiness support.

Ohio: Incentive Program for Mental Health Care Field

Ohio announced the Great Minds Fellowship Workforce Commitment Incentive Program, created to bolster the mental health care workforce. Recent college graduates can apply to receive up to $20,000 in funds for educational costs if they commit to working at one of Ohio's Community Behavioral Health Centers for at least one year.

"The demand for mental healthcare services is growing twice as fast as the size of the mental healthcare workforce. It is critical that we incentivize more of our best and brightest young minds to launch their careers in these fields so we can help our most vulnerable Ohioans receive the support they need to reach their full potential."

Governor Mike DeWine

Texas: High Schools Help Develop Future Health Workers

In Houston, the Health Education and Leadership High School launched its inaugural class of ninth graders. The school provides opportunities for students to specialize in medical disciplines, volunteer or hold part-time positions at local health organizations and earn credits toward certifications. Bloomberg Philanthropies awarded $250 million to support the school and nine similar programs aimed at increasing opportunities for students who aren't interested in a four-year degree and cultivating a potential workforce for local hospitals and health organizations.

Virginia: New Roadmap Aims to Help Address Health Care Worker Shortages and Needs

A new roadmap in Virginia aims to help match the supply of clinical workers to demand in the health care sector as well as establish regional partnerships with the chambers of commerce, community colleges across the state and various workforce boards.

Wisconsin: Task Force Addresses Challenges Facing Wisconsin's Healthcare Workforce

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers' Healthcare Workforce Task Force issued a report August 19 with recommendations for the state to address the state's healthcare workforce shortages. The 25-member task force met six times since March and has come up with 10 recommendations with 26 action items across three broad categories: education and training, recruitment and retention, and regulatory policy.

"Wisconsin has seen historically low unemployment and a record-high number of Wisconsinites employed, but Wisconsin's decade-long struggle to retain, attract, and train talented workers to address our workforce shortages in key industries continues to hold our state back. This action plan will help bring more folks into the healthcare profession and ensure that Wisconsinites get the care they need and the quality of life they deserve."

Governor Tony Evers

The NGA Center for Best Practices is working to support Governors' offices and other senior state officials in implementing strategies to strengthen and grow the next generation of the healthcare workforce. By learning directly from other states and national experts, States and Territories gain an understanding of innovative and evidence-based policies, programs and practices to create a positive environment for an enduring healthcare workforce. Learn more.

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