ADA, coalition urge Congress to support health care workforce
A coalition of 67 national organizations, including the ADA, is urging Congress to reauthorize federal programs that support the nation’s health care workforce before they expire at the end of fiscal year 2025.
In a letter sent to lawmakers Aug. 19, the groups pressed for the advancement of legislation reauthorizing the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Title VII health professions and Title VIII nursing workforce development programs. Together, the programs provide funding and training opportunities for health care professionals, including physicians, nurses, dentists, mental health specialists, public health practitioners, and social workers.
“HRSA’s Title VII and VIII programs are essential in educating current and future providers across the country, advancing new delivery systems and enhancing integrated models of care,” the coalition wrote. “These programs produce real, measurable results and positive community impact.”
Research has shown that graduates of Title VII and VIII programs are more likely to serve in underserved areas and that the initiatives expand access to training for students from diverse backgrounds, according to the letter.
The letter specifically calls for passage of the Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness (EMPOWER) for Health Act, H.R. 4262, and the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act, H.R. 3593/S. 1874. Both measures would extend the programs through fiscal year 2030.
The organizations believe that continued investment is essential to building a high-quality workforce, particularly as the U.S. faces an aging population and growing demand for care.
“There is no substitute for the value these programs bring to the health care workforce,” the coalition wrote. “Congress must act to reaffirm the federal government’s commitment to preparing the next generation of health care professionals by providing swift consideration and advancement of the HRSA Title VII health professions and Title VIII nursing workforce development programs reauthorizations.”
