Minnesota schools will receive nearly $ 2 million in federal funds as part of a package of $159.1 million grants package announced Thursday to train more nurses, nurse anesthetists and other medical professionals.
Subsidies from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, are part of a national effort under the new federal health legislation to improve preventive care by increasing the size of the primary care workforce.
“We cannot build a healthier America if our country continues to face a growing shortage of health professionals,” said Kathleen Sebelius in a statement.
In Minnesota, eight colleges and the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia will split the money for nursing education, retention and training and geriatric training. The biggest beneficiary is the University of Minnesota, with more than $ 600,000 for nurse training and education, and about $ 600,000 for training professionals in geriatric medicine.
In total, the department will provide $ 106 million for the development of nursing human resources and $29.5 million for three geriatric education and training programs. A total of $23.6 million will fund programs to improve recruitment and performance of underrepresented minority students in health careers.