Sebelius Anounces Grants to Help Train Workers Who Provide Geriatric Care

On Thursday, Health and Human Services Administration Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the distribution of $159.1 million in grant awards for educational programs to train nurses and geriatric specialists, and support the recruitment of students currently underrepresented in these areas. These funds were appropriated primarily to address a growing shortage of primary care workers. According to HHS Secretary Sebelius, the funds will be used in a variety of ways, including offsetting students' tuition, developing of curricula, training faculty, and funding research. "We cannot build a healthier America if our country continues to face a growing health professions shortage," Sebelius said in announcing the grants. "A well-trained, educated and diverse workforce is critical to meeting future healthcare demands and to reforming the nation’s healthcare system."

Sources:

• Washington Post
• The Hill’s Healthwatch Blog