The UNC Center for Aging and Health is pleased to announce that the Carolina Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (CGWEP) has been awarded a grant of $5 million by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This funding will support programming over the next five years, from 2024 to 2029.
According to Dr. Jan Busby-Whitehead, Director of CGWEP, “this funding provides resources to train health providers, care-partners, and the community on age friendly, dementia-friendly care across the State of NC. This will support NC’s 2024 Roadmap for Aging and Living Well initiative”.
In addition, we would like to acknowledge the strong support and collaboration of our partners: Wake Forest University School of Medicine, East Carolina University College of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Pembroke Biotechnology Research and Training Center, NC Community College Apprenticeship NC, Piedmont Health Services, Inc., UNC Family Medicine clinics, UNC Geriatrics Clinic, UNC Physicians Network clinics, the nine AHECs, NC American Indian Health Board, and HealthKeeperz.
The Carolina GWEP aims to improve health outcomes for older adults by enhancing the training of healthcare professionals in geriatrics. The program focuses on the development and implementation of innovative educational models. Specifically, the CGWEP address the unique needs of the elderly population, particularly in underserved areas.
Additionally, this significant funding from HRSA underscores the critical importance of geriatric care. It also highlights the need to prepare a workforce capable of meeting the complex health needs of an aging population. The Carolina GWEP continues its commitment to leveraging this support to create sustainable improvements in geriatric healthcare and education.
Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to HRSA for their continued trust and investment in our mission. We are confident that with this grant, the Carolina GWEP will make a substantial impact on the quality of life for older adults across North Carolina.
For more information about the Carolina GWEP and upcoming initiatives, please visit the CGWEP website.