UTICA, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Funding to increase the healthcare workforce in rural communities across Central and Northern New York has been awarded to The Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Herkimer, Madison & Oneida Counties, Inc. by the U.S. Department of labor.
The $2.5 million grant will provide training in occupations that have a direct impact on patient care and alleviate workforce shortages by creating sustainable employment and training programs.
Targeted occupations include:
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorders Counselors
- Mental Health Counselors
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Registered Nurses; Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technologists
- Medical & Clinical Laboratory Technicians
- Pharmacy Technicians
- Licensed Practical Nurses
- Home Health Aides
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Physical Therapy Assistants
- Phlebotomists.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for healthcare workers, particularly in rural areas where there was already an acute need.” the U.S. Department of Labor says. “Through the expansion of employment and training models for the healthcare industry, DOL’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) aims to help individuals gain the skills necessary to provide needed services, fill vacancies, and allow employers to find skilled workers more readily.”
The WDB says it will use new and emerging technologies in its training. Individuals will receive online training and experience to be placed in jobs where they can advance along a career path. Outreach campaigns to attract new trainees and a coalition of partners to ensure support for trainees will also be in place.
WDB serves 16 counties: Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, Chenango, Delaware, Jefferson, Lewis, Otsego, Warren, Washington, Essex, St. Lawrence, Hamilton, Franklin, Fulton, and Montgomery.
Those interested in training can reach out to the following coordinator in their area.
| COUNTY | COORDINATOR NAME | CONTACT |
|---|---|---|
| Essex Franklin St. Lawrence Hamilton | Karen Cossaboon | 610-533-6300 |
| Chenango Delaware Herkimer Madison Oneida Otsego | Joelle Taylor | 315-798-5908 |
| Fulton Jefferson Lewis Warren Washington | Alice Savino | 315-798-5908 |
