The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has announced an investment of more than $200 million to support improved care for older Americans. UNC-Chapel Hill was among the 42 recipients and has received $5M in funding.
The goal of the HRSA’s Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program is to train primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and other health care clinicians to provide age-friendly and dementia-friendly care for older adults. Support for families and caregivers is also a focus of the program.
The initiative will integrate geriatric training into primary care to ensure that health care providers are prepared to identify and address the needs of older patients. The program will also advance HHS’ effort to fulfill the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease by helping build a workforce with the skills to provide high-quality care to people with dementia.