(Washington DC – May 6, 2013) U.S. Representative Richard Hanna led an effort to urge the House of Representatives to maintain a strong commitment to our nation’s robust nursing workforce.
Rep. Hanna spearheaded a bipartisan letter to the House Appropriations Committee to request it maintains a strong commitment to Nursing Workforce Development Programs in Fiscal Year 2014. Together with U.S. Representative Lois Capps (D-Calif.), Rep. Hanna brought together 83 House Members to encourage investment in a strong nursing workforce.
“Now, more than ever, our nation must prepare to increase our nursing workforce,” the letter states. “America’s healthcare system is already stressed due to the aging Baby Boomer population, the growing incidence of chronic diseases, and a shortage of providers in all specialties, particularly primary care.
The letter continues, “Nurses are integral to addressing these healthcare demands as they work in all health care fields and are linked to lowered health care costs, improved health care quality, and increased health care access.”
Specifically citing Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs, the Representatives state that the programs relieve the strain on our nation’s nursing demand. For nearly 50 years, these programs have helped build the supply and distribution of qualified nurses to meet our nation’s healthcare needs. The Title VIII programs bolster nursing education at all levels, from entry-level preparation through graduate study, and provide support for institutions that educate nurses for practice in rural and medically underserved communities.
“Nursing is an admirable and in-demand profession, one in which we should continue to invest to boost our healthcare system,” Rep. Hanna said. “I fully support nursing education programs and the impact they have on our nation.”