New Jersey receives $80M to strengthen healthcare workforce, modernize data
NJDOH said it will facilitate the continued modernization of New Jersey's public health system through a "matrix of support."
Photo: Emir Memedovski/Getty Images
The New Jersey Department of Health has been awarded a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for $80.5 million over the next five years to support public health workforce development and training, build foundational capabilities and modernize its data infrastructure.
Supported in part by the American Rescue Plan Act, the OE22-2203: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems through innovation and commitment to action grant is intended to support the public health infrastructure needs of jurisdictions across the country.
Funding under the Public Health Infrastructure Grant Program is meant to help ensure each community has the people, services and systems needed to promote and protect health, said NJDOH.
WHAT'S THE IMPACT?
With the resourcing and technical assistance provided by the funds, NJDOH said it will facilitate the continued modernization of New Jersey's public health system through a "matrix of support" to state and local health agencies.
The department will use the grant, it said, to facilitate recruitment, advancement and retention within the public health workforce through workforce planning and professional development; expand the NJDOH Centralized Data and Analytics Hub, which provides data-driven insights to inform the department' actions; and advance health equity in policy, programs and practice through the Office of Minority and Multicultural Health.
NJDOH also said it will enhance the Office of Women's Health, invest across the agency in understanding health disparities, addressing social determinants of health and facilitating connections to care, and grow regionalized support for local health partners in building workforce capacity and infrastructure.
NJDOH will receive more than $79.5 million in the first year of the grant from the CDC as part of a financial assistance award totaling more than $80.5 million, with 100% funded by the CDC and Department of Health and Human Services.
Future year funding will be based on satisfactory progress as well as the availability of funds, said NJDOH.
THE LARGER TREND
The state's current administration has made a number of investments in public health infrastructure, including $116.5 million in funding for eligible county, municipal and regional local health departments to support the development or expansion of long-term health infrastructure improvements, and to provide resources to address complex emergencies like COVID-19, emerging local needs, and other public health priorities.
ON THE RECORD
"This is the beginning of a very exciting new chapter for the New Jersey Department of Health and public health in the Garden State," said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. "We have a great opportunity to build a more resilient health department with a robust, well-trained workforce, a modernized infrastructure, and a stronger system for a healthier New Jersey. Everyone stands to benefit."
Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: Jeff.Lagasse@himssmedia.com
