WASHINGTON, D.C. (VR) — U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $5,998,207 in federal funding for community health workforce training across Virginia. The funding was made possible by the American Rescue Plan, which Warner and Kaine voted to pass last year, and will be administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Community Health Worker Training Program.
“All Virginians, regardless of where they live or work, deserve health care. That’s why it’s important that we support our community health workers, who are trusted members of their communities, provide education, and increase access to health care and social services,” said the senators. “We’re glad that this funding is coming to Virginia to help train community health workers so they can keep doing what they do best.”
The funding will be distributed as follows:
- $2,998,720 for the Nelson Community Wellness Alliance, Inc. in Lovingston
- $2,999,487 for the Virginia Department of Health to support Richmond/Henrico, Central Shenandoah, and Blue Ridge Health Districts
Warner and Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee, have long supported growing the health care workforce. In August, they announced more than $1.7 million in federal funding for health centers across Virginia. Kaine has also cosponsored the TRAIN Act and Physician Shortage Reduction Act, which would increase training of physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals.