HealthForce NH faced a significant challenge this spring: addressing the shortage of health care workers. Despite the magnitude of the challenge, five organizations submitted proposals for innovation grants. The proposals covered various aspects of health care workforce, including education, training, recruitment, retention, and quality of life for those already working in health care organizations.
Among the proposals, Androscoggin Valley Home Care Services in Berlin received the top award of $100,000. The organization aims to streamline the process of connecting Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs) with local health care organizations that are in need of their services. Androscoggin Valley Home Care Services specializes in providing nursing and personal care for seniors and adults with disabilities in Coos County. The organization plans to train their LNAs to seamlessly transition into working with local health organizations by familiarizing them with each location’s orientation, routines, and culture. Additionally, they will introduce an online scheduling portal where health care providers can post shifts and LNAs can sign up for them in real-time, allowing for quick and efficient scheduling.
Kate Luczko, the senior director of HealthForce NH, described this innovative approach as “the Uber of health care.” Lightcap Health of Durham also received a $60,000 grant for their project focused on providing nurses with training and education through a video subscription service to prevent burnout. New Hampshire Hospital in Concord received a $40,000 grant for their initiative to recruit and train underserved populations such as new Americans and low-level offenders to work with psychiatric patients.
