The funding announcements include $103 million in American Rescue Plan funds to reduce burnout and improve retention in the health care workforce as well as $13 million in funding to increase behavioral health in rural communities.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced funding efforts to address mental health and wellbeing among the health care workforce and funding to increase behavioral health in rural communities.
In Tuesday’s announcement, HHS said $13 million in funding will be made available through the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) Behavioral Health Care Support to improve access to behavioral health care services in rural communities throughout the country. The funding will increase services for behavioral health care challenges, including substance use disorder.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused behavioral health challenges for Americans of all ages and backgrounds,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in the statement. “This investment is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to address the inequities that still exist surrounding behavioral health and advance care in rural America. It will support comprehensive behavioral health prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery interventions in rural communities–furthering the goals of our new overdose prevention strategy.”
To begin the RCORP-Behavioral Health Care Support application process, visit Grants.gov. Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, April 19. To learn more, visit the Notice of Funding Opportunity.
On Thursday, HHS announced it has awarded $103 million in American Rescue Plan funds to address burnout and mental health issues among health care workers. The awards will fund evidence-informed programs, practices, and training, particularly among providers in underserved and rural communities.
“I have traveled to many health centers across the country and know that the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified issues that have long been a source of stress for frontline health care workers—from increased patient volumes to long working hours,” said Becerra in the announcement, adding that the funding will ensure the country has enough critical frontline workers by supporting their needs now and in the future as they face burnout and mental health challenges. “We will continue to promote the well-being of those who have made so many sacrifices to keep others well.”
HRSA is disbursing the $103 million in awards to 45 grantees across three programs, including Promoting Resilience and Mental Health Among Health Professional Workforce, Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Training Program, and Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Technical Assistance Center.