HHS Announces $103 Million in Additional Grant Funding to Strengthen Resiliency and Address Burnout in the Health Workforce

On July 16, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the availability of $103 million in American Rescue Plan funding over a three-year period dedicated to programs meant to reduce burnout and promote mental health among the health workforce. These grants, which take into particular consideration the needs of rural and medically underserved communities, will help health care organizations establish a culture of wellness  among the health and public safety workforce and will support training efforts that build resiliency for those at the beginning of their health careers.

Health care providers face many challenges and stresses due to high patient volumes, long work hours, and workplace demands. These challenges were amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, and have had a disproportionate impact on communities of color and rural communities. The programs will support the implementation of evidence-informed strategies to help organizations and providers respond to stressful situations, endure hardships, avoid burnout and foster healthy workplace environments that promote mental health and resiliency.

There are three funding opportunities that are now accepting applications:

• Promoting Resilience and Mental Health Among Health Professional Workforce – Approximately 10 awards will be made totaling approximately $29 million over three years to health care organizations to support members of their workforce. This includes establishing, enhancing, or expanding evidence-informed programs or protocols to adopt, promote and implement an organizational culture of wellness that includes resilience and mental health among their employees.
• Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Training Program – Approximately 30 awards will be made totaling  approximately $68 million over three years for educational institutions and other appropriate state, local, Tribal, public or private nonprofit entities training those early in their health careers. This includes providing evidence-informed planning, development and training in health profession activities in order to reduce burnout, suicide and promote resiliency among the workforce.
• Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Technical Assistance Center – One award will be made for approximately $6 million over three years to provide tailored training and technical assistance to The Health Resources and Services Administration’s workforce resiliency programs.

Providers can apply for the Provider Resiliency Workforce Training Notice of Funding Opportunities at Grants.gov. Applications are due by August 30, 2021.