Ochsner Health has been awarded $2.9 million by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), as part of a competitive grant process designed to “improve the retention of health care workers and help respond to the nation’s critical staffing needs by reducing burnout and promoting mental health and wellness among the health care workforce.” Led by its Office of Professional Well-Being, Ochsner will invest the funds in programs to create an organizational culture that supports the well-being and resilience of the workforce, institutionalize effective practices, and boost workforce engagement.
“Confronted with multiple waves of COVID-19 and Hurricane Ida, Ochsner staff have worked through the most challenging of circumstances to take care of our communities – not to mention the personal struggles that these disasters created. We are extremely grateful for the HRSA funds, which will support Ochsner at a time when our workforce needs it the most,” said Nigel Girgrah, MD, chief wellness officer, Ochsner Health. “We are determined to help our workforce stay engaged, reclaim joy, and find harmony; and this grant award will allow us to implement training and strategies well ahead of what we had initially planned.”
The funds, secured through the Biden-Harris Administration’s American Rescue Plan, are being granted to address rates of depression and anxiety among health care workers, which have been compounded by COVID-19.
The funds will be used by Ochsner over three years to support evidence-based or evidence-informed solutions.