Groups get $3.1 million over three years for health care mental health

COVINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced $3,065,520 in awards over three years 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.

These awards will fund evidence-informed programs, practices and training, with a specific focus on providers in underserved and rural communities. The funds, secured through the Biden-Harris Administration’s American Rescue Plan, will be disbursed to two grantees in Kentucky.

“I have traveled to many health centers across the country and know that the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified issues that have long been a source of stress for frontline health care workers — from increased patient volumes to long working hours,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. “This funding reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensuring we have enough critical frontline workers by supporting health care providers now and beyond as they face burnout and mental health challenges. We will continue to promote the well-being of those who have made so many sacrifices to keep others well.”

COVID-19 has compounded rates of depression and anxiety among health care workers. The relentless physical and emotional demands of treating patients during a pandemic have exacerbated longstanding barriers to workplace well-being. While the challenge is complex, these multi-year awards will support proven strategies for health care providers, academic institutions, and other recipients to reduce burnout and build resiliency. These strategies will include the creation of partnerships and utilization of local resources to directly support health professionals’ response to workplace stressors, and provide training to help individuals manage the constantly changing, high-stress environment of health care.”

HRSA is making these awards through two programs:

• Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Training Program – HRSA is awarding $3,065,520 to two Kentucky grantees to support tailored evidence-informed training development within health profession and nursing training activities. This curriculum will help reduce burnout and promote resilience among health care students, residents, health care professionals, paraprofessionals, trainees and public safety officers, such as firefighters, law enforcement officers, and ambulance crew members.

• Mental Health America Of Northern Kentucky And Southwest Ohio, Inc.	Covington	KY	$1,079,333	$709,000	$492,333	$2,280,666
  Spalding University, Inc.	Louisville	KY	$262,158	$260,808	$261,888	$784,854