Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $9 Million In Federal Funding To Reduce Burnout Among Health Care Professionals

Today, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $9,655,841 in federal funding to address a staffing crisis in our nation’s hospitals by reducing burnout and promoting wellness among health care workers. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and will be used to develop and implement programming to address mental health challenges faced by health professionals, particularly those providing care in underserved and rural communities.

“The pandemic has taken a huge toll on our health care workers, and they are in need of more help to overcome new challenges and struggles related to their mental health,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “New York’s increased mental health struggles are an overall silent—but devastating—effect of this pandemic with more people reporting the onset of symptoms like depression, anxiety and more. Untreated, these conditions can lead to dangerous spirals that upend lives and families. That is why I am proud to have secured these vital funds for programs, practices and training to promote the mental health and wellness of our heroic frontline workers.”

“The past two years have been a time of nearly unprecedented stress for health care workers,” said Senator Gillibrand. “And as a result, too many nurses and other medical professionals have left the field – just when we need them most. This federal funding will provide long overdue support to our frontline workers, including physicians, nurses, and health care students as well as firefighters, law enforcement officers, and ambulance crew members. I’ll keep fighting tooth and nail to support those who have worked so hard to keep us safe throughout the pandemic.”

A full list of funding recipients can be found below: