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Jobs available in healthcare as industry faces shortage of workers

2019-06-18T15:01:00

(BPT) - California’s shortage of healthcare workers could limit patients’ access to care. That’s according to a recent report from The California Future Health Workforce Commission. But, the problem is broader than just a lack of doctors. The state’s shortfall includes frontline workers and staff essential to the care delivery team.

According to the report, California will need 600,000 new home care workers in the next decade. Without them, seniors may not be able to get the in-home care they need as they age. Lab workers and well-trained office staff are also in high demand. Both are key to patient care. A well-run doctor’s office can improve quality care and help prevent billing and other errors.

But, labor shortages also mean opportunities for job seekers. "We believe every person deserves a safety net for their health. That can’t happen unless there’s enough care givers and others to help those in need," says Carol Kim. She should know. Kim is vice president of community investments and government and public affairs for Health Net. "So, we’re doing our part by awarding workforce development grants. Community-based organizations and health clinics are using our grants to train and retain their local workforce and talent."

The company recently awarded one such grant to Los Rios Foundation, working in partnership with Sacramento City College, Greater Sacramento Urban League and WellSpace Health. With Health Net’s $75,000 grant, the college is expanding its Community Health Workers Program. This one-year certificate program prepares local community residents to become Community Health Workers, utilizing their peer connections and lived experiences to promote prevention and intervention services.

In 2018, Health Net awarded a similar grant of $50,000 to the Reinvent Stockton Foundation to support its Stockton Scholars Program. The organization is helping 50 local high school students prepare for careers in allied health. Examples of allied health jobs include dental hygienists, dietitians and speech language pathologists, to name just a few.

Closing the healthcare workforce gap is a daunting task. By 2025, experts expect a shortage of 20,000 primary care physicians in the U.S. For California, that’s about 4,100 fewer doctors than needed, according to a 2019 report from the California Future Health Workforce.

“There’s no doubt the challenge is huge,” says Kim. “But, that’s not stopping us from doing our part in building California’s health workforce and transforming our communities, one person at a time.”

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