DeLauro, Blumenthal, Murphy, Himes Announce $14 Million Federal Grant To The Workforce To Train Low-Income Individuals For Careers In Healthcare

Statement

Today, U.S Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-3) and Congressman Jim Himes (D-4) announced a $14 million, five-year federal grant for The WorkPlace in Bridgeport to train low-income individuals for careers in health professions. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is part of the Healthcare Professional Opportunity Program. The funds will support the Southwestern Connecticut Health CareeRx Academy (Academy) to provide career training and opportunities in health professions for low-income individuals.

"From registered nurses and pharmacy technicians to dental assistants and home health aides, healthcare industries are hiring across Connecticut and nationwide, providing good opportunities for those with the right skills and training. This substantial, multi-year award will provide that specialized, critical training to low-income individuals in Fairfield and New Haven, opening doors to well-paid, stable professional careers. The WorkPlace has a long, nationally-recognized track record in training and preparing individuals who excel in their new careers, and we applaud the Department of Health and Human Services for this wise investment," said Blumenthal, Murphy, DeLauro and Himes.

"We are committed to preparing the unemployed with skills and supports needed to obtain employment and sustain themselves and their families," stated Joseph Carbone, President and CEO of The WorkPlace. "The Southwestern Connecticut Health CareeRx Academy is a partnership with the region's colleges and training providers designed to deliver promising and innovative career pathways programs while strengthening the workforce for employers. Our great appreciation goes to Senators Blumenthal and Murphy as well as Congressmen Himes and DeLauro for their support of this opportunity."

The Academy will serve Fairfield County and a portion of New Haven County. The Academy will work with the region's colleges and other training providers to design and offer education/preparation for over a dozen healthcare occupations, including: Registered Nurses, Radiologic Technologists, Pharmacy Technicians, Surgical Technologists, Medical Records and Health Information Technicians, Home Health Aides, Nursing Assistants, Dental Assistants, Medical Assistants, Medical Secretaries, and Personal Care Technicians.

The WorkPlace, established in 1992, is one of the five Workforce Development Boards in the state of Connecticut, and works towards preparing people for careers while strengthening the workforce for employers.