Xavier Becerra, Secretary and Deputy Secretary & Andrea Palm, Deputy Secretary | https://www.hhs.gov/about/leadership/xavier-becerra.html https://www.hhs.gov/about/leadership/andrea-palm.html
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has announced an investment exceeding $200 million to support 42 programs nationwide aimed at enhancing care for older Americans, including those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
HRSA's Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program will provide training for primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare clinicians to deliver age-friendly and dementia-friendly care. The program also aims to equip families and caregivers of older adults with the necessary knowledge and skills to support their loved ones effectively.
"For the Biden-Harris Administration, meeting the health care needs of older adults is a top priority," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. "That’s why we are helping to build the health care workforce needed to care for our friends and family members as they age. The Biden-Harris Administration will continue to support the caregivers and family members who are essential to the well-being of older adults."
This initiative integrates geriatric training into primary care, ensuring healthcare providers can identify and address older patients' needs. Given that primary care providers often serve as the usual source of care for many elderly individuals, it is crucial that these professionals are equipped to respond effectively to their patients' growing needs. Grantees will also engage with communities to help family members and other caregivers understand how best to support those they care for.
"Among the most trusted people in the lives of older adults are their family members and their caregivers, including their primary care provider," said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. "At the Health Resources and Services Administration, we are committed to supporting the clinicians that older patients trust to care for them as they age, especially those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias."
This announcement aligns with HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra's Health Workforce Initiative, which emphasizes supporting, strengthening, and growing the health workforce. The initiative seeks opportunities for improving workforce recruitment, retention, career advancement, engaging stakeholders, and advancing federal efforts in workforce development. It also contributes towards fulfilling the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease by building a skilled workforce capable of providing high-quality dementia care—a strategy critical for supporting over six million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease.
For a full list of award recipients: [HRSA Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program Awardees](https://bhw.hrsa.gov/funding/apply-grant/gwep-awardees).
