FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2024
ALTSD Contact:
Joey Long, PhD
Public Information Officer
Joey.long@altsd.nm.gov
New Mexico selected to participate in national caregiver workforce grant program
New Mexico one of six states selected for inaugural cohort
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.