Xavier Becerra Secretary at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services | Twitter Website
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced partnerships with states and released key recommendations to strengthen the direct care workforce, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to support caregivers and improve access to high-quality care for older adults and people with disabilities.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of investing in care, stating, "Investing in care is an investment in the future of America's families, workforce, and economy." Becerra highlighted the significance of better data infrastructure to ensure wise investments and accelerate the development of effective strategies for expanding the direct care workforce.
Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su echoed this sentiment, expressing the administration's commitment to providing good jobs for workers in the care economy. Su emphasized the need for quality jobs with family-sustaining wages, safety standards, and benefits for care workers who play a crucial role in supporting individuals in need.
Alison Barkoff, who leads the Administration for Community Living, stressed the urgency of addressing the shortage of direct care professionals to prevent setbacks in community living progress. Barkoff highlighted the Direct Care Workforce Strategies Center's role in catalyzing action to improve recruitment, retention, and development of the critical workforce.
Twenty states have been selected to participate in technical assistance programs to enhance recruitment, training, and retention of direct care workers. These programs aim to improve collaboration across state agencies, professionals, service recipients, and stakeholders to address workforce challenges effectively.
Furthermore, HHS and the Department of Labor released recommendations for building data infrastructure to support the development of policies and initiatives strengthening the direct care workforce. Miranda Lynch-Smith, performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, emphasized that implementing these recommendations will drive data-informed policy decisions to enhance the quality and access to care services.
The Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to supporting caregivers and strengthening the direct care workforce is reflected in these initiatives, which aim to ensure older adults and people with disabilities receive the care they need to thrive in their communities. The administration's focus on data-driven policies and collaborative efforts with states demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by the care workforce.
