Governor Polis, CDPHE Discuss Efforts to Strengthen Colorado’s Healthcare Workforce

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DENVER ~ Denver, CO - Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Executive Director Jill Ryan held a press conference today to discuss the state's efforts in strengthening the healthcare workforce through the Practice-Based Healthcare Education grants. The Governor visited the Lowry Family Health Center, one of the recipients of the grant, to see firsthand how this program is making a positive impact on Colorado's healthcare system.

During his visit, Governor Polis met with physicians who are participating in the Colorado Works for International Physicians program. This innovative program aims to enhance the state's healthcare workforce by training international medical graduates to enter primary care physician residency programs and obtain medical licenses to practice in the United States.

"In Colorado, we are committed to ensuring everyone has access to affordable and quality healthcare," said Governor Polis. "By investing in healthcare training and education, we are not only connecting Coloradans with the skills they need for good-paying jobs, but also expanding our healthcare workforce and saving people money on healthcare."

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Executive Director Jill Ryan echoed this sentiment, stating that "Colorado has a tradition of attracting the best and brightest to our health care workforce, but that doesn't just happen by accident. We need to be intentional about providing opportunities, which will ultimately serve the people of Colorado."

With 123 areas in Colorado experiencing shortages in healthcare professionals and a projected deficit of 3,000 physicians by 2030, programs like the Practice-based Health Education Grant Program are crucial. Each licensed international medical graduate physician can care for up to 2,000 patients annually, helping bridge the gap in physician capacity.

According to the Colorado 2022 Talent Pipeline Report, the health care sector has the highest demand for workers with over 887,865 unique job postings between August 2021 and 2022.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recently announced 23 grant awards from their Practice-based Health Education Grants Program. This program aims to increase the capacity to train students to join the healthcare workforce in Colorado. The CDPHE has awarded over $18.8 million to 17 organizations, funding 23 programs that will reach people across the state.

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Some of the grant recipients include Adams Arapahoe 28J/Aurora Public Schools/Pickens Technical College for Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, and Pharmacy Technician Training; Adams State University for Expanding Practice-based Education in Nursing to Build Health Care Equity in Rural Colorado; and Clinica Family Health for Dental Assistant and Medical Assistant Training Programs.

Other recipients include Denver Health and Hospital Authority for Advanced Practice Primary Care Excellence Training Program, Advanced Practice Provider Specialty Intensive Residency (ASPIRe), Acute Care Extern Learners, and Medical Assistant Training Program; Kids in Need of Dentistry for Practice-based Education Expansion; Metropolitan State University for A Systemic Response to Strengthen a Diverse Health Care Workforce; and Montrose Regional Health for Sim Lab Equipment.

The full list of grant recipients can be found on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's website.

With these grants, the state hopes to address the growing need for healthcare professionals in Colorado. By investing in training and education programs, they are not only creating job opportunities but also ensuring that all Coloradans have access to quality healthcare.

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