$103 million in federal funds awarded for health worker well-being

Health and Human Services (HHS) last week announced $103 million in awards to improve the retention of health care workers and help respond to the nation’s critical staffing needs by reducing burnout and promoting mental health and wellness among the health care workforce. The awards will fund evidence-informed programs, practices and training, with a specific focus on providers in underserved and rural communities. The funds will be disbursed to 45 grantees through three programs: Promoting Resilience and Mental Health Among Health Professional Workforce, the Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Technical Assistance Center and the Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Training Program. This week, HHS also released $2 billion more in pandemic aid from the Provider Relief Fund. (HHS news release, 1/20/22)