Hartford, Conn. (WTIC Radio)-Using American Rescue Plan Act money approved as part of the state budget, the state is launching a $35-million initiative directed at plugging the state's shortage of nurses and social workers.
The plan offers tuition assistance to low-income and minority students, recruitment and retention of faculty and programs promoting partnerships
between employees and institutions of higher learning.
“We have a significant nursing shortage in Connecticut, and yet our colleges and universities do not currently have capacity to increase the number of qualified nursing students they serve,” Governor Lamont said. “By making this investment, we are taking a critical step toward expanding the number of nursing seats at our public and private institutions of higher education. We also know that the need for mental health services has only increased during the pandemic. This collaborative approach will help promote a highly educated behavioral health workforce.”
“This significant investment in training nurses and behavioral health providers is exactly the kind of program Congress had in mind when we passed the American Rescue Plan Act to help our nation rebuild from the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the members of Connecticut’s Congressional delegation said in a joint statement. “The need for mental health services skyrocketed during the pandemic and an already alarming shortage of nurses is now at an all-time high, leaving our health care systems understaffed at a critical time. We applaud the State of Connecticut for using these federal dollars to make an important investment in the workforce and the health of our communities.”
“Health care – everything from nursing to behavioral health – is core to who we are at CSCU,” President Cheng said. “We offer the highest quality nursing and social work programs, but we need to be able to increase the number of students we serve. This program will help us do just that. We are proud to work with our state and higher education partners to advance Governor Lamont’s workforce goals.”
“This program is an all-around win for Connecticut” Dr. Kelli-Marie Vallieres, Connecticut’s Chief Workforce Officer, said. “Not only are we creating opportunities for disadvantaged populations to pursue rewarding and family-sustaining careers, but we are making a targeted investment to improve the access and quality of health care in our communities. Our vision is to recruit, educate, and employ the next generation of health care workers in-state.”
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