Health Care Workforce
Paid and unpaid caregivers
We support expanding, diversifying and training the health care workforce to reduce regional shortages of behavioral health providers. By strengthening the paid and unpaid workforce, we enable wellness and prevention, reduce stigma, and increase integrated and collaborative care models.
Why it’s our priority
Strengthening the health care workforce, particularly in behavioral health, is key to advancing whole-person care. Worker shortages are driving gaps in care access. The pandemic has put excessive strain on both paid professionals and unpaid family caregivers, and there is an urgent need to address and invest in the behavioral health needs of these groups.
8.3 Million
8.3 million people living in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) in OR, WA, ID, UT
1 in 6
1 in 6 adults are unpaid caregivers
Unpaid caregivers are an essential part of our health ecosystem. One in six adults are unpaid caregivers, aiding friends or family members with a health condition. These caregivers are experiencing their own health crisis - struggling with a higher rate of anxiety (+34%), major depression (+37%), obesity (+50%) and hypertension (+64%) compared to the general population.
Outcomes We're Measuring
• Increase access to behavioral health programs and services in professional shortage areas
• Increase number of providers trained and supported in collaborative care models
• Increase diversity and representation among behavioral health providers relative to the communities they serve.
Let's Talk
If you have questions or want to talk to a program officer about a Health Care Workforce grant, please reach out!