Focus Area: Workforce Development

Overview

Workforce needs in healthcare and allied health positions is at a crisis point. Doctors, nurses and other health and social care workers are in short supply across WNC and the state. According to the Mountain Areas Health Education Center:

• All 16 WNC counties are primary care health professional shortage areas

• Only 3 out of 5 adults in WNC had a dental visit in the past year

• 8 WNC counties have no practicing general psychiatrist

• 7 WNC counties have no practicing ob/gyns

The HPI is committed to developing and supporting pathways for people from WNC to train and succeed in these careers, addressing contributing issues such as childcare, housing and other SDOH, and exploring policy solutions to allow providers to optimize their scope of practice and have access to reimbursement models that are more financially and administratively sustainable.