The Department of Health and Human Services is making approximately $103 million available in federal relief funding to address burnout and promote mental health wellness among healthcare workers.
Stress and burnout levels have approached severe levels in long-term care workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, an April survey found.
The funding was announced Friday by HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration and will be distributed over a three-year period. The money will be directed to three different programs aimed at helping providers implement evidence-based strategies to respond to stressful situations, avoid burnout and promote mental health and resiliency.
Approximately $68 million will be dedicated to the Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Training program, about $29 million toward the Promoting Resilience and Mental Health Among Health Professional Workforce program, and $6 million toward the Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Technical Assistance Center.
“It is essential that we provide behavioral health resources for our health care providers – from paraprofessionals to public safety officers – so that they can continue to deliver quality care to our most vulnerable communities,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement Friday.
Providers have until Aug. 30, 2021, to apply for the programs.
