July 5, 2022 – Jeff Lagasse, Editor –
The federal government is making a push to expand residency programs, with the Department of Health and Human Services announcing more than $155 million in awards for 72 teaching health centers that operate primary care medical and dental residency programs. These programs will include high-need specialties such as psychiatry.
Administered through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the awards are being funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and Fiscal Year 2022 funds.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra framed the move as a key part of the administration’s plan to address health inequities in underserved and vulnerable communities, in part by increasing the number of residents training in community health centers and other outpatient community clinics.
“We will continue to expand the primary care workforce supply line to help meet community needs,” said Becerra.
HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson said the effort will contribute to a stronger primary care and mental health workforce.
