The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) has announced a $15 million funding initiative to address critical healthcare workforce shortages across the state. The Healthcare Employment Reinvestment Opportunity (H.E.R.O.) Fund will provide matching grants to universities, technical colleges, healthcare systems, hospitals, agencies, and associations dedicated to expanding Louisiana’s healthcare workforce pipeline.
“Nationwide, and especially here in Louisiana, we are facing serious healthcare workforce shortages,” said LDH Undersecretary Drew Maranto. “The H.E.R.O. Fund is a wonderful funding opportunity that we expect to have a real impact. We encourage eligible institutions and industry partners to apply for this funding to expand programs in high-demand areas like nursing, allied health, and behavioral health.”
Program Goals
The H.E.R.O. Fund, initially established in 2021, aims to:
- Address workforce demands for high-demand healthcare professions statewide.
- Expand program capacity and student enrollment in key healthcare credentials.
- Improve program completion and certification exam pass rates.
- Offer financial incentives such as stipends or tuition forgiveness to support students and incentivize professionals to practice in Louisiana, especially in underserved areas.
- Support dual enrollment programs and healthcare career pathways for high school students.
- Increase internships and apprenticeship opportunities in healthcare organizations.
- Raise awareness of healthcare occupations and reduce barriers, including financial obstacles, to healthcare education and training.
Expanding Reach
The fund was initially managed by the Louisiana Board of Regents and the HealthWorks Commission, which distributed $4 million in grants to support one program per region. In 2024, Rep. Brach Myers (R-Lafayette) introduced legislation to broaden the program’s scope under LDH, enabling it to reach more institutions and individuals.
“Investing in the growth of our healthcare workforce is not just about meeting today’s needs; it’s about preparing for the future,” said Rep. Myers. “This public-private partnership allows frontline providers to play an integral role in addressing workforce shortages while creating a meaningful impact.”
Matching Contributions and Application Details
Grant applicants must secure matching contributions, either in funds or in-kind support, from healthcare industry partners equal to the grant award. Eligible training must benefit students and healthcare organizations within Louisiana, focusing on high-demand fields such as nursing, paramedics, medical assisting, radiology technology, respiratory therapy, and more.
Applications are due by Friday, January 31, 2025, with grant recipients expected to be announced in March.
For more information and to apply, visit ldh.la.gov/HERO.
This initiative underscores Louisiana’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare infrastructure by investing in the future workforce, ensuring that communities statewide have access to skilled, dedicated healthcare professionals.