State distributes $4.3 million from Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund to 28 projects statewide
In an effort to address critical healthcare workforce shortages in Kentucky, the Kentucky Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund (HWIF) has distributed over $4.3 million to 28 postsecondary healthcare programs across the state. This public-private partnership, established during the 2023 legislative session, aims to cultivate a robust healthcare workforce capable of meeting the state's ongoing demand, particularly in rural and underserved areas [1].
The HWIF has funded various healthcare education and training programs, including the University of Kentucky's Physician Assistant (PA) program and Lindsey Wilson University's nursing program. Scholarships provided by the fund prioritise students with financial need, rural work experience or residency, and a demonstrated commitment to serve Kentucky communities with healthcare shortages. This approach helps build a sustainable healthcare workforce that can effectively meet the state's needs, especially outside urban centers where most physicians are currently concentrated [3].
The fund also incentivises excellence and performance among healthcare professional programs. For instance, partnerships between educational institutions and healthcare providers, such as Lindsey Wilson and Taylor Regional Hospital, are being reinforced to ensure practical training and employment opportunities that benefit both students and local healthcare systems [3].
Among the institutions receiving funding are Murray State University, which has received $500,000 for BSN, funded by Baptist Health Paducah. Other recipients include Morehead State University, which has received $300,000 for BSIS, funded by University of Kentucky Saint Claire, and $190,000 for ADN, funded by King's Daughter's Medical Center. Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College has received $1,000,000 for ADN, funded by Med Center Health, and $20,000 for Radiography, AAS, funded by Med Center Health [2].
The HWIF's impact extends beyond urban centres. For example, Hopkinsville-Christian Co has received funding for Paramedicine Program from Franklin-Simpson Co. EMS, Jackson County Ambulance Service, Nelson County EMS, and Wayne Co. EMS. Additionally, Ashland Community and Technical College has received funding for RN and Radiography AAS programs from King's Daughters Medical Center [2].
Furthermore, Northern Kentucky University has received $100,000 for MSW, funded by Children's Home of Northern Kentucky, and $25,000 for MSW, funded by Holly Hill Child & Family Solutions. Campbellsville University has received funding for ADN and Paramedicine from Taylor Regional Hospital and Monroe County Medical Center. Midway University has received $60,000 for ADN, funded by Bluegrass Care Navigators. Lastly, Bellarmine University has received funding for ABSN, CRNA, and MSRT from Baptist Health Louisville [2].
The awards will provide training scholarships to over 200 Kentucky resident students, contributing significantly to the development of the state's healthcare workforce [4]. As the HWIF continues to support healthcare education and training, it is expected that Kentucky will see improvements in healthcare access throughout the state.
References: [1] Kentucky Health Workforce Investment Fund, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.ky.gov/HWIF/ [2] Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://educationcabinet.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx [3] Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://cpe.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx [4] Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://kheaa.com/Pages/default.aspx
- The Kentucky Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund (HWIF) is distributing funds to educational institutions in northern Kentucky, such as Northern Kentucky University, for programs like the Master of Social Work (MSW) to aid in the development of the state's healthcare workforce.
- The HWIF has allocated funds to various education and self-development programs in Kentucky, including Bellarmine University, which will use the funds for programs like the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy (MSRT) to address medical-conditions and serve Kentucky communities with healthcare shortages.
- The HWIF has provided funding to institutions like Ashland Community and Technical College, which will use the funds for programs like the Radiography AAS and Registered Nurse (RN) to improve the education and training of healthcare professionals in underserved areas of Kentucky.
- Partnerships between educational institutions and medical providers, like Campbellsville University and Taylor Regional Hospital, are being reinforced with HWIF funding for programs including the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Paramedicine, aimed at science-based education and the development of a robust healthcare workforce in rural and underserved areas of Kentucky.
