Louisiana is facing a significant shortage of primary care physicians. As of 2023, there is 1 primary care doctor for every 1,441 residents, which is far higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1,000 to 1.
To help address this issue, the Louisiana Department of Health is investing $15 million. This funding will go to universities, technical colleges, and healthcare systems to support programs that train future healthcare workers.
The Healthcare Employment Reinvestment Opportunity Fund, known as the H.E.R.O. Fund, provides matching grants to initiatives aimed at growing the healthcare workforce in the state.
Drew Maranto, the LDH undersecretary, expressed hopes that eligible institutions will apply to expand programs in high-demand areas like nursing and behavioral health.
The H.E.R.O. Fund, overseen by the Louisiana Board of Regents and the HealthWorks Commission, was established in 2021 to strengthen nursing and allied health education.
To qualify for the fund, proposals must involve partnerships between educational institutions and healthcare providers or facilities in Louisiana.
Non-profit organizations can also apply, provided their initiatives benefit students and healthcare organizations in the state.
The fund focuses on high-demand healthcare roles, including certified nursing assistants, paramedics, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and many more.
In 2024, legislation introduced by Rep. Brach Myers aimed to broaden the fund’s impact. Key goals include:
- Meeting local and regional workforce needs in healthcare.
- Increasing enrollment in healthcare programs.
- Improving completion and certification rates.
- Offering financial incentives for students in Louisiana healthcare facilities.
- Encouraging high-demand professionals to work in underserved areas.
- Supporting dual enrollment for high school and technical education.
- Creating more career paths through internships and apprenticeships.
- Raising awareness about various healthcare careers and reducing financial barriers.
“A strong healthcare workforce is essential for community health,” said Rep. Myers. He emphasized that every community deserves access to quality care.
Programs, universities, and healthcare systems must submit their applications by 4 p.m. on January 31. Grant recipients will be announced in March. For more details, check out the H.E.R.O. Fund page.
