New Mexico selected to participate in national caregiver workforce grant program
New Mexico one of six states selected for inaugural cohort
State Agency Press Release – From the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department
SANTA FE – New Mexico has been selected to participate in a multi-agency intensive grant focused on improving the direct caregiver workforce. This opportunity, spearheaded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), will provide individualized technical assistance and expertise to help New Mexico address challenges in recruiting and retaining the direct care workforce.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, this initiative aligns with the Biden Administration’s 2023 Executive Order to increase access to high-quality care and improve caregiver support systems. New Mexico is one of only six states to be selected after completing a rigorous review process.
Through this program, New Mexico will have the opportunity to receive up to 250 hours of hands-on and customized assistance, coaching, and access to subject matter experts. Some of the more specific goals proposed during the application process include bolstering training, improving caregiver career paths, and exploring innovative ways to reimburse caregivers.
While spearheaded by the Aging & Long-Term Services Department, this effort will also involve the NMHealth, Human Services and Workforce Solutions. The New Mexico team will work alongside ACL’s team to develop plans to support and grow the home and community-based direct care workforce.
“New Mexico’s selection is another step towards creating a unified, strategic action plan to increase caregiver capacity and highlights New Mexico as a leading state in recognizing the work of both paid and unpaid caregivers,” said ALTSD Deputy Secretary Sarah Jacobs.
“We are excited to utilize this resource that will help us identify challenges within the caregiver workforce, break down siloed resources, and create more opportunities for New Mexicans to access the services they need.”
The state’s participation in this program runs through December 31, 2024. For more information, see ACL’s press release.
Editor’s Note: According to information found via links contained in the ACL’s press release referred to in the previous paragraph, “New Mexico Department of Aging and Long-Term Services will lead the state’s team during the intensive TA cohort, and will partner with the state’s Human Services Department, Department of Workforce Solutions, and New Mexico Caregivers Coalition.”
Last week, The Candle reached out to Adrienne Smith, the founder, President and CEO of the New Mexico Caregivers Coalition, seeking a description of the role her organization will play as a partner with the state agencies involved with the grant.
According to its website, the New Mexico Caregivers Coalition “is a statewide organization that advocates for and advances the professional development and workforce issues of New Mexico’s direct caregivers.”
Ms. Smith has not yet returned our call. If she does, The Candle will update this note to the state press release.
In the meantime, The Candle will request copies of the appropriate related documents, including any contracts should they exist, regarding this program.