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Governor Moore Announces $600,000 in Awards to Strengthen Maryland’s Healthcare Workforce

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Governor Wes Moore today announced nearly $600,000 in grant awards to provide career pathways and increase retention among healthcare workers. The grant funding—distributed through the Career Pathways for Healthcare Workers Program and Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program—will provide occupational training opportunities for more than 300 healthcare professionals.

“You cannot have a strong healthcare system without skilled healthcare professionals at the helm, from physicians to technicians,” said Gov. Moore. “In partnership with our allies in healthcare, the private sector, and organized labor, we are building a stronger pipeline to good-paying jobs that uplift our communities and keep our people healthy.”

“These investments in Maryland’s healthcare workforce will address a critical need for more healthcare workers in our state, and support workers who want to enter healthcare fields and advance their careers,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. "Having more highly-skilled healthcare workers will directly improve health outcomes for Marylanders."

“A strong healthcare workforce is vital for public health,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “These funds will help Maryland build sustainable career paths and ensure our communities have access to the care they need and deserve.”

Career Pathways for Healthcare Workers Program grants will provide nearly $340,000 to support eight Maryland healthcare organizations in their work to upskill frontline healthcare employees. The grants provide a direct investment for programs that provide occupational training to accelerate credentialing and increase wages for healthcare professionals—including nursing assistants, patient care technicians, and surgical technologists.

Grantees include:

  • Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore City)
  • Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital (Baltimore City)
  • Shore Health System, Inc. (Eastern Shore)
  • Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center (Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and surrounding areas)
  • Holy Cross Health, Inc. (Montgomery County and Prince George’s County)
  • Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Inc. (Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Carroll County)
  • Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center (Howard County)
  • UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center (Anne Arundel County)

Direct Care Workforce Innovation Program grants will provide nearly $240,000 in matching grants to help employers and workforce organizations recruit, retain, and advance direct care workers. Direct care workers are a critical part of the healthcare workforce, providing hands-on assistance in daily living tasks, such as medication management, bathing, toileting, and mobility exercises. The investment will support occupational training, licensing costs, and wraparound services—including offsetting transportation costs—to help workers remain engaged and successful in their careers.

Grantees include:

  • Asian American Center of Frederick (Frederick County)
  • 1199 SEIU (Prince George’s, Montgomery, Baltimore County, Baltimore City)
  • Employ Prince George's (Prince George’s County)
  • NextGen Synergy, Inc. (Statewide)
  • UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center (Anne Arundel County)

For more information on Maryland's workforce initiatives, visit labor.maryland.gov/employment.

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The Maryland Department of Labor strives to create an equitable and inclusive Maryland where all residents have the opportunities and resources to attain financial stability, reach their career potential, and contribute to their communities; where businesses have access to capital and the skilled workforce they need to succeed; where workplaces are safe and well-regulated; and where the economy is resilient and growing. For updates and information, follow Labor on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and visit our website.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dinah Winnick