Grand Canyon Times

Gov. Doug Ducey plans to invest $6.5 million to train 1,500 nurses and caregivers working in long-term care facilities, in what the governor’s office called “a major step in improving care for vulnerable Arizonans.”

Ducey announced the new workforce grant during a proclamation recognizing Arizona Nurses Month, according to a release on the Governor’s Office’s Official Website.

“As we recognize our invaluable nurses, I’m pleased to help Arizona’s dedicated health care professionals have the resources they need to provide quality care,” Ducey said in the release.

According to the release, the Arizona Health Care Association (AHCA) will use the money to recruit new nurses, train them and place certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and other caregivers in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities around the state.

“Caregivers and nursing professionals work to provide the best care possible to our elderly and disabled citizens,” Ducey said in the release.“We need more of them and I’m confident this funding will continue to ensure Arizona is the best place for nurses.”

David A. Voepel, executive director of the Arizona Health Care Association, applauded the effort.

“The Arizona Health Care Association is pleased to usher in this important statewide workforce development grant to support long-term care facilities in their effort to recruit, train and retain essential staff,” he said in the release.

The AHCA plans to work with nursing facilities to establish CNA and caregiver training on-site. The training programs will align with the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Nursing Care Institution Administrator Board, the release stated.

“Staffing is critical in ensuring quality outcomes for the vulnerable population we serve,” Voepel said. “This additional funding will go a long way in meeting that challenge. We appreciate Gov. Ducey recognizing the need for this program.”