On Sunday, the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom released a press release announcing more than $400 million in grants to build upon and expand the state’s nation-leading healthcare workforce and infrastructure. This represents part of the over $1 billion in healthcare workforce investments to strengthen and expand the state’s health and human services workforce contained in the recent budget.
“California is committed to ensuring people have the services they need and supporting the next generation of health care workers,” said Governor Newsom. “These crucial investments in our health care workforce and infrastructure build upon that commitment by strengthening our community partners, health care infrastructure, and continuing our work to bring the state’s health care system into the 21st century.”
This funding will be essential to California as the state works to address the behavioral health, mental health, and general health care needs of Californians.
$119 million will be going to the Department of Health Care Services for 98 organizations to help them build capacity and infrastructure in Medi-Cal’s delivery system CalAIM. The Department of Aging with receive $89 million for 78 organizations to further the state’s commitment to growing a resilient caregiver workforce.
$61 million of the funding will be allocated to Health Care Access and Information to support behavioral health students and professionals in advanced practice, nursing, behavioral health, and allied health professions. An additional $59.4 million will go to 23 schools to support social work education and $49.6 million will be going to 54 organizations to support 17 new and expanded programs and to create 87 new residency positions across California.
The Department of Developmental Services will receive $22 million for 75 community-based organizations and regional centers to improve equity, diversity, and service access to all Californians with developmental disabilities.
$18 million will also be given to the Department of Health Care Services to help students ages 18 and older gain practical on-the-job experience in behavioral health careers.
